Nursing at Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
81 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
80
Optimistic
81
Base Case
78
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,793/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #404 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $723K $721K $645K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.6x 12.6x 11.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 5.9x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 80 81 78

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 (5.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,092
-3% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,468
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,621
1% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $74,793/yr, roughly in line with the $75,273 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 12.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $74,793 far exceeding the $24,468 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #404 ranking among 990 Nursing programs places Wayne State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $74,793 to $75,621 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Wayne State University

Wayne State University accepts 82% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, 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

Nurse anesthetists $223,210/yr
Nurse practitioners $129,210/yr
Nurse midwives $128,790/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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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

What does a 81/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Wayne State University?
At 81/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Wayne State University?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →