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Public Health at Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,584/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)

ROI 7.5x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #191 of 213 Public Health programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Public Health graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$428K	$430K	$421K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	7.5x	7.5x	7.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.5x	3.5x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	52%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	36	38

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 (3.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,092

-3% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,750

6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $32,584 per year, Public Health graduates from Wayne State University earn below the $38,916 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 7.5x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 48% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $18,750 debt-to-$32,584 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #191 out of 213 programs, Wayne State University's financial outcomes for Public Health trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

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

Physicists $166,290/yr

Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Health at Other Schools

Other Majors at Wayne State University

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 Public Health program score?

This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for Public Health. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Public Health to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Public Health careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Public Health earnings lower at Wayne State University?

Lower starting pay at Wayne State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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