Wayne State University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 15,587 students.
About This School
Wayne State University is a public institution located in Detroit, Michigan with approximately 15,587 undergraduate students enrolled. Wayne State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 81%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,766 per year. The graduation rate is 58%, and the typical graduate earns $52,300 within 10 years of enrollment.
Wayne State University (WSU) is a public research university in Detroit, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1868, Wayne State consists of 13 schools and colleges offering approximately 375 programs. It is Michigan's third-largest university with nearly 24,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Wayne State University, along with Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, and the University of Michigan, comprise Michigan's University Research Corridor. Wayne State is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".
The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $14,773 average net price and relatively low median debt of $16,597 make Wayne State genuinely affordable, and its standing as a serious research university in Detroit gives students real access to a major metro job market. However, the 57% graduation rate is a real concern — it means a significant share of students who start here don't finish, so incoming students should honestly assess their readiness and support needs before enrolling. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious, interested in health sciences, law, or engineering, and plan to stay engaged from day one.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
What This School Looks For
From the school's most recent Common Data Set (2024-25). What the admissions office actually weighs:
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 15% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (15,587 undergraduates).
In the Classroom & On Campus
Class size distribution
Source: Wayne State University Common Data Set (2024-25).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Michigan
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI · Public
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI · Public
Macomb Community College
Warren, MI · Public
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI · Public
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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