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Computer Science at Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer and Information Sciences, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $77,371/yr (24% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (69% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (338,800 openings/yr)

ROI 16.3x earnings multiple (7.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #57 of 443 Computer and Information Sciences, General programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$969K	$930K	$714K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.9x	16.3x	12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.0x	7.6x	5.9x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	74%	42%
DegreeOutlook Score	87	86	79

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$57,188

Out-of-state: $121,676 (7.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,092

-3% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,750

2.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$102,611

33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $77,371 per year, Computer Science graduates from Wayne State University earn slightly above the $62,617 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 16.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 69% task exposure — and the 26% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $18,750 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #57 out of 443 programs, Wayne State University's Computer Science program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $77,371 to $102,611 shows 33% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Wayne State University

With 82% of applicants admitted, Wayne State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 15,676 students in Detroit, MI. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Wayne State University →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr

Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr

Database architects $135,980/yr

View all 14 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Wayne State University's Computer Science program score?

A score of 86/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Wayne State University's Computer Science graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.

How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 69% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why does Wayne State University rank so high for Computer Science?

The #57 ranking out of 443 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →