Grand Rapids Community College vs Wayne State University
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MI | Wayne State University Detroit, MI | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Poor return | Strong return |
| 10-year ROI | -196% | +215% |
| 10-year net gain | $-40,262 | $126,192 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $43,026 | $63,500 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $36,189 | $50,391 |
| Average net price | $8,621 | $12,766 |
| Median debt | $9,000 | $21,250 |
| Break-even | — | 3.2 yrs |
| Graduation rate | — | 58% |
| Admission rate | — | 81% |
Grand Rapids Community College
Poor return
$-40,262 over 10 years
On these figures the cost and debt outweigh the earnings premium.
Wayne State University
Strong return
+$126,192 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.