Public Institution

Wayne State University — Detroit, Michigan

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Annual Tuition $14,297

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 82%

Open Admission

Enrollment 15,676

Active Students

Avg. Salary $53,493

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Detroit, Michigan

Institution type Public

Accreditation Higher Learning Commission

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Wayne State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Detroit, providing a robust academic foundation for 15,676 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Wayne State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Wayne State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

22.3%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

15.6%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

8.9%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

6.2%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

5.4%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

4.9%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Wayne State University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Wayne State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Wayne State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 82%

Difficulty Low

Wayne State University maintains an acceptance rate of 82%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 40.7%

Women Enrollment 59.3%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 530 - 640

SAT Mathematics 510 - 620

ACT English 21 - 30

ACT Mathematics 18 - 27

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Wayne State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $14,297

Out-of-State Tuition $30,419

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 43%

Median Student Debt $21,250

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $14,297, graduates see a median starting salary of $53,493, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Michigan.

What salary can Wayne State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $53,493

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 56.5%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $14,773

Median Salary (6yr) $45,207

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Wayne State University in Detroit?

15,676 Students

Gender Comparison

40.7% Men

59.3% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

81.5%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

Asian

13.9%

Black

17.2%

White

54%

Unknown

0.8%

Hispanic

7.7%

Two or More Races

4.1%

International

2.2%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 23

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First-Generation 37.6%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 68.4%

🎖️

Veterans 0.3%

💍

Married Students 5.1%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 47.5%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$61,912
Average Family Income	$45,228
Median Family Income	$28,605

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

50.5%

49.5%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Detroit Campus Environment

Located at 42 W. Warren Ave., Wayne State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Michigan. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Wayne State University compare?

Direct Comparison Wayne State University vs College for Creative Studies →

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Common Questions about Wayne State University

Is Wayne State University a good college in Detroit, Michigan?

Wayne State University is a recognized institution in Detroit with an enrollment of 15,676 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Michigan based on Department of Education data.

Is Wayne State University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Wayne State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $53,493. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Wayne State University cost for Michigan residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Wayne State University is approximately $14,297. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $30,419. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Wayne State University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Wayne State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 68.4% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Wayne State University good for Business & Marketing and Health Professions programs?

Wayne State University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Health Professions programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Wayne State University?

Graduates of Wayne State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $53,493, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Wayne State University?

Wayne State University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Wayne State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Wayne State University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Wayne State University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Wayne State University earn a median salary of $53,493 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Wayne State University a good investment compared to other MI colleges?

Wayne State University stands out as a high-value investment in Michigan. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Wayne State University located and what is the campus like?

Wayne State University is located at 42 W. Warren Ave. in Detroit, MI. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 15,676 learners.

Who typically attends Wayne State University in Detroit, MI?

The student body at Wayne State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 37.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Michigan

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Wayne State University with other leading institutions in Michigan across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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