Wayne State University vs Hope College: which has better ROI?
Wayne State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $51,064 in 9.9 years versus 10.8 years at Hope College, on median earnings of $53,493 vs $58,427 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Wayne State University | Hope College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,766 | $27,182 |
| Total net cost | $51,064 | $108,728 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,493 | $58,427 |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $26,800 |
| Payback | 9.9 yrs | 10.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $51,596 | $92,612 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Wayne State University or Hope College?
Wayne State University, at $12,766 a year after aid versus $27,182 — a gap of $14,416 a year, or $57,664 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Wayne State University or Hope College graduates earn more?
Hope College graduates report a median $58,427 ten years after entry, $4,934 more than the $53,493 at Wayne State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Wayne State University or Hope College?
Wayne State University: its completers carry a median $21,250 in federal loans versus $26,800 at Hope College, a difference of $5,550. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
80% of students finish at Hope College, against 58% at Wayne State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.