2024 Analysis of WSU Finances by Howard Bunsis
Howard Bunsis, Professor of Accounting at Eastern Michigan University, has performed an independent analysis of Wayne State University’s finances.
The full report can be found here.
Summary conclusions:
Wayne State University is in a solid financial position
This conclusion is supported by solid bond ratings, which are assigned despite the declines in enrollment, and are supported by strong reserves and solid annual excess cash flows
The State appropriation is not the largest revenue source, but it has been increasing through 2024, and is expected to increase solidly in 2025
Faculty salaries are not keeping up with inflation, and are lower than peer university averages
The numbers of and salaries to administrators are increasing much more and much faster than for instructional faculty
This analysis shows that the University easily has the financial means to meet AAUP-AFT demands based solely on its excess cash flows, without needing to even use any Unrestricted Reserves
