Wayne State University — Detroit, MI

Political Science and Government

at Wayne State University · Detroit, MI

Moderate Value

Could go either way

🎓

Common Pre-Law Major

Many political science graduates attend law school or pursue advanced policy degrees. Earnings data may not reflect long-term career trajectories.

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $32,349/yr starting out — that's 8% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 28.5 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $14,773/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $66,836 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$26,794/yr

Starting Salary

$32,349

Finish Rate

56.5%

Cost

$26,794/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $14,773/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $12,021/yr)

4 Years Total

$107,176

Typical Debt

$21,250

Interest You'd Owe

+$7,744

What You'd Really Pay

$66,836

That's about $242/month for 10 years after you graduate

What 10 Years Looks Like

You'd earn (with degree)$323,490

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$66,836

Pays for Itself In

28.5 yrs

Salary Boost

+8%

Ahead After 10 Years

$256,654

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed0/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost1/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate8.5/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.