Wayne State University vs University of Detroit Mercy: which has better ROI?
University of Detroit Mercy has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $60,928 in 2.7 years versus 9.9 years at Wayne State University, on median earnings of $71,030 vs $53,493 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Wayne State University | University of Detroit Mercy |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,766 | $15,232 |
| Total net cost | $51,064 | $60,928 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,493 | $71,030 |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $23,250 |
| Payback | 9.9 yrs | 2.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $51,596 | $392,472 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Wayne State University or University of Detroit Mercy?
Wayne State University, at $12,766 a year after aid versus $15,232 — a gap of $2,466 a year, or $9,864 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 University of Detroit Mercy graduates earn more?
University of Detroit Mercy graduates report a median $71,030 ten years after entry, $17,537 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 University of Detroit Mercy?
Wayne State University: its completers carry a median $21,250 in federal loans versus $23,250 at University of Detroit Mercy, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at University of Detroit Mercy, 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.