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Public Administration at Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
49
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,767/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (528,800 openings/yr)
ROI 8.2x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #43 of 45 Public Administration programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $467K $469K $447K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.2x 8.2x 7.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.9x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 49% 37%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 49

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 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,092
-3% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,086
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Wayne State University's Public Administration graduates start at $38,767/yr, trailing the $49,353 national average by 21%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 8.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Administration career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,086 against $38,767/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #43 ranking among 45 Public Administration programs places Wayne State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Wayne State University

A 82% acceptance rate means Wayne State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 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

Chief executives $206,420/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Construction managers $106,980/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 45 schools offering Public Administration →

Public Administration at Other Schools

Barry University ($103,107) National University ($77,077) California State University-Northridge ($76,049) University of Maryland Global Campus ($74,053) Southern New Hampshire University ($73,129) California Baptist University ($68,682) Ashford University ($65,503) University of Phoenix-Arizona ($61,790)

Other Majors at Wayne State University

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($82,524) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,738) Industrial Engineering ($77,815) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($77,371) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($74,793) Mechanical Engineering ($74,457) Civil Engineering ($73,488) Chemical Engineering ($71,373)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Public Administration trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Administration at Wayne State University?
At 50/100, the score looks reasonable — but Public Administration is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Public Administration at Wayne State University?
The 47% 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.
Is Wayne State University a good choice for Public Administration despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Wayne State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →