Wayne State University
About Wayne State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Wayne State University is a public research university in Detroit, Michigan. It is one of the nation's top 50 public research universities and offers strong programs in engineering, medicine, social work, and the arts in the heart of Detroit.
Founded
1868
Location
Detroit, Michigan
Students
23,378
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
81.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
58.4%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$15,190
Out-of-state: $32,037
Avg Net Price
$12,766
After financial aid
SAT Average
1156
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$53,493
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 1
Wayne State University accepts the majority of applicants at 81.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1156/ 1600
ACT Scores
25/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
58.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
82.7%
4-Year Grad
29%
6-Year Grad
56%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
58.1%
$/Student
$14.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 29% graduation rate is below average, but 82.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,190
In-State
$32,037
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,252
Books & Supplies
$1,360
Total Cost of Attendance
$27,350
After Financial Aid
$12,766
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,090
Receive Grants
45.7%
Take Loans
37.8%
The full cost of attendance is about $27,350/yr for in-state students, including $14,252 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $12,766. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $32,037.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Wayne State University fund their education.
While in School
45.7%
Get Grants
Free money
37.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$28,605
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,250
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$225/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 37.8% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,250. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Wayne State University.
Gender
58.8%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
15,587
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
7,791
Graduates
37.6%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
15.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 37.6% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
15,587
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Wayne State University fields 11 varsity teams with 453 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Great Lakes
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
453
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
57% / 43%
258
Men
195
Women
8
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Wayne State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$53,493
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$29K
338 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Health
$33K
248 grads
1yr Earnings
International Business
$59K
212 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
—
203 grads
Human Resources Management and Services
$48K
192 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$48K
183 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $45K six years out, growing to $53K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wayne State University
What is the acceptance rate at Wayne State University?▾
How much does Wayne State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Wayne State University?▾
How much do Wayne State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.