Wayne State University
Wayne State University has an acceptance rate of 81.2%, annual tuition of $15,190, average net price of $12,766, and a national rank of #179 (Grade A-), with a 58.4% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 15,587 undergraduates, and median earnings of $68,551 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Wayne State University is a public university in Detroit, MI. Students most often pursue Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and 82.7% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 112.6%, roughly 62.7 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Wayne State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Wayne State University graduates 58.4% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 59.4% and keeps 82.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Wayne State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $15,190 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,360 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,252 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,314 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $27,350 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 45.7% of Wayne State University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,090 to $19,862 depending on family income. Use Wayne State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,828/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $19,862/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $68,551
- 10-Year Median Earnings $53,493
- Average Years to Graduate 4.8 years
- Average Student Debt $21,250
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 38.3%
- Employment Rate 87.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Wayne State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Wayne State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Wayne State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Wayne State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Wayne State University graduates report median earnings of $68,551 four years after graduation, +14% above the national median. The 112.6% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 540-640
- SAT Math 520-630
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 23-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 15,587
- Full-Time Students 81.2%
- Part-Time Students 18.8%
- Retention Rate 82.7%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 58.4%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 59.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Wayne State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Wayne State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 81.2%, Wayne State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 81.2% acceptance rate, Wayne State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1060 and 1270 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Wayne State University undergraduates. Psychology, General, International Business, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 8.4%
- International Business 4.9%
- Biology, General 4.5%
- Public Health 4.5%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 4.1%
- Human Resources Management and Services 4.1%
See more majors
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 3.9%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other $117,514
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $107,566
- 3. Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians $106,090
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General $102,611
- 5. Chemical Engineering $100,634
- 6. Mechanical Engineering $98,434
- 7. Management Information Systems and Services $86,777
- 8. International Business $81,434
- 9. Civil Engineering $80,725
- 10. Industrial Engineering $77,815
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $176,598
- 2. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $137,150
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $128,813
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $128,271
- 5. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $122,128
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $118,670
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $118,387
- 8. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $108,567
- 9. Law (First Professional Degree) $102,400
- 10. Psychology, General (Doctoral Degree) $102,289
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other grads earn $117,514—51% more than Industrial Engineering ($77,815). Graduate: Medicine programs lead with $176,598 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Wayne State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Social Work (Master's Degree, 322 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 316 graduates)
- Medicine (First Professional Degree, 272 graduates)
- International Business (Bachelor's Degree, 186 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 170 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (74 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- International Business
- Biology, General
- Public Health
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Marketing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Mechanical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Apparel and Textiles
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Political Science and Government
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Economics
- Journalism
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Anthropology
- Industrial Engineering
- Public Administration
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Special Education and Teaching
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Mathematics
- History
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Dance
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Philosophy
- Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Construction Engineering Technologies
- Physics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Physical Sciences, Other
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Area Studies
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Applied Mathematics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
- Statistics
- Information Science/Studies
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Online Master's Degrees (73 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Public Health
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Civil Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Psychology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering, Other
- Economics
- Public Administration
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Political Science and Government
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Anthropology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Chemical Engineering
- Special Education and Teaching
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Sociology
- Physics
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Engineering Technology, General
- Chemistry
- Materials Sciences
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Music
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Biology, General
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- International Business
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Taxation
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
- Genetics
- Dispute Resolution
- Computer Engineering
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biotechnology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
Online Doctoral Degrees (46 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Chemistry
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Physics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Economics
- Biology, General
- Sociology
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Communication and Media Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Public Health
- Mathematics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- History
- Social Work
- Political Science and Government
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Sciences
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Computer Engineering
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Anthropology
- Social Sciences, Other
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Genetics
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (34 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Gerontology
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Economics
- Systems Engineering
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Social Work
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Polymer/Plastics Engineering
- Engineering, Other
- Dispute Resolution
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- History
- Engineering, General
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Public Administration
- Philosophy
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (10 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Nanotechnology
- Music
- Library Science and Administration
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Dance
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Online First Professional Degrees (8 programs)▼
- Medicine
- Law
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Public Health
- Political Science and Government
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 15,587
- Full-Time Students 81.2%
- Part-Time Students 18.8%
- Male Students 41.2%
- Female Students 58.8%
- Caucasian 52.8%
- Asian 14.1%
- Hispanic 7.8%
- Black 17.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 45.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Wayne State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Wayne State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wayne State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Wayne State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wayne State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Wayne State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Wayne State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #179 nationally with a 112.6% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $12,766 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $68,551 median earnings. The 58.4% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 82.7% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Wayne State University's Strengths
Ranked #179 with a A- grade, Wayne State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Wayne State University excel at providing affordable education ($12,766 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Wayne State University's 82.7% retention and 58.4% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($68,551 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Wayne State University's 112.6% ROI and $12,766 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 58.4% graduation rate sits 4.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 82.7% first-year retention is 5.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 112.6% return on investment is 62.7 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $68,551 run about 14% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $12,766 is roughly $7,313 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 82.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 87.8% employment rate within three years sits 19.6 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Wayne State University—a public university in Detroit, MI—at A- overall. It appears at #179 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B), Support (B), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (A-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
82.7% of learners come back after year one while 58.4% graduate within 150% of normal time (59.4% within eight years). Return on investment currently measures 112.6% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $12,766 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $27,350.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,584 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,250 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 45.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $68,551 at the median. That sits about 14% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 87.8%.
Plan around an ROI of about 112.6% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
81.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Wayne State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wayne State University's acceptance rate?
Wayne State University's acceptance rate is 81.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Wayne State University cost?
At Wayne State University, listed tuition and fees are $15,190 per year, and the average net price after aid is $12,766. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Wayne State University's ranking?
Wayne State University ranks #179 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Wayne State University's graduation rate?
At Wayne State University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 58.4% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 59.4%, and first-year retention is 82.7%.
What are Wayne State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Wayne State University report median earnings of $68,551 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Wayne State University's student population?
Wayne State University enrolls about 15,587 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Detroit, MI 48202
- Website wayne.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$509.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate21.2%