Program Analysis
Wayne State University's Civil Engineering graduates start at $73,488/yr — above the $69,097 national average, though not by a wide margin.
The 12.9x 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 — 49% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,500 in median debt clears quickly against $73,488 in annual earnings.
At #123 out of 220 programs, Wayne State University's financial outcomes for Civil Engineering trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $73,488 to $80,725 over five years (10% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.