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$3,112Tuition
7,848Students
23%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$29,079Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Wayne County Community College District

Wayne County Community College District serves Detroit's working population through five campuses spread across the metro area. The college enrolls 7,848 students and focuses heavily on workforce training and transfer preparation. Nearly 70% of students are Black, reflecting the demographics of Detroit and surrounding communities. The college operates on a semester system and maintains strong ties to local employers who need skilled workers.

Students pay an average net price of $5,762 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options for higher education in Michigan. In-state tuition runs just $3,112 annually. Graduates earn a median of $29,079 ten years after starting, though employment rates reach 86.9%. Students typically graduate with $12,062 in debt and monthly loan payments of $128. The financial picture makes sense for students seeking quick workforce entry or planning to transfer to four-year universities.

The student body is 64.5% women, typical for community colleges nationwide. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year institutions. Only 23.4% of students graduate within six years, but many transfer before completing associate degrees. The Wildcats compete in seven sports with 35 total athletes, providing limited but meaningful athletic opportunities for students.

Academics & Faculty

Wayne County Community College serves Detroit's working community with practical workforce training and transfer programs across five campuses. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes typical of urban community colleges, but faculty focus on hands-on learning for careers in healthcare, automotive technology, and skilled trades. The college excels at preparing students for Detroit's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. The 23.4% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges faced by students juggling work and family responsibilities while pursuing degrees. Most students attend part-time and many transfer to four-year universities after completing foundational coursework. The college prioritizes accessibility with programs designed around working adult schedules.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
25:1
Full-Time Faculty
13.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
23.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$29,079

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $59,350
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $32,925
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $32,925
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. Associate $26,739
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $25,396

View all 79 programs →

Campus Life

Wayne County Community College serves Detroit through five campuses scattered across the metro area. The main Downtown campus sits in the heart of Detroit, while satellite locations in Downriver, Belleville, Lincoln Park, and Northwest Detroit bring education directly to working-class neighborhoods. Nearly 97% of the 7,848 students come from Michigan, reflecting the college's role as a local workforce pipeline.

Detroit winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, with temperatures often below freezing from December through February. Most students commute rather than live on campus, since this is primarily a commuter college focused on practical training. The student body is 70% Black and 65% women, many juggling work and family responsibilities alongside classes. With a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger class sizes typical of community colleges. Students often grab coffee between classes at campus cafeterias or study in library computer labs. Weekends bring quiet campuses as most students return to jobs, families, or transfer preparation at nearby universities like Wayne State.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1967

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
19°–32°F
July Avg
64°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
29.9"
Annual Snowfall
30.8"

Student Demographics

This multi-campus district draws heavily from Detroit's African American community, with nearly 70% of students identifying as Black. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, reflecting the popularity of healthcare, education, and business programs that lead to stable careers. Almost all students come from Michigan, showing WCCCD's deep roots in serving local residents. The student body skews toward working adults and single parents seeking practical skills training. Many students balance school with jobs and family responsibilities while pursuing certificates or associate degrees that translate directly into employment.
Men
35.5%
Women
64.5%
White
17.1%
Black
69.7%
Hispanic
1.7%
Asian
0.5%
In-State Students
96.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
28.5%

Location

Detroit sits in southeastern Michigan as the state's largest city and former automotive capital. The multi-campus district serves 7,848 students across Michigan's most populous urban center. Detroit offers the energy and opportunities of a major metropolitan area, with access to internships, cultural attractions, and diverse communities. Nearly 97% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep roots in serving local residents. The city has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, creating new opportunities for students entering the workforce. Campus locations span the greater Detroit area, providing convenient access for commuting students. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Wayne County Community College District with similar schools in the region.
Address
Detroit, Michigan 48226
Wayne County Community College District campus
Wayne County Community College District campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$29,079
Median Earnings (5 years)
$41,779
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$24,100
Loan Repayment Rate
17.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$128/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,062

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Wayne County Community College District?

Wayne County Community College District maintains an open admission policy as a community college serving Detroit's urban population. The school enrolls 7,848 students across its multiple campuses, with 96.66% coming from Michigan.

How much does Wayne County Community College District cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,762 annually at Wayne County Community College District. In-state tuition runs just $3,112, making it one of Detroit's most affordable higher education options for workforce training and transfer programs.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wayne County Community College District?

Wayne County Community College District has a 25:1 student-faculty ratio across its multi-campus system. The college focuses heavily on career preparation and workforce development for Detroit's diverse community, with 69.66% of students being Black.

What are employment outcomes like for Wayne County Community College District graduates?

Wayne County Community College District graduates achieve an 86.9% employment rate after completion. However, the median earnings of $29,079 ten years after enrollment reflect the college's role in providing entry-level workforce training rather than high-paying professional programs.

Where are Wayne County Community College District's campuses located?

Wayne County Community College District operates as a multi-campus system throughout Detroit and surrounding areas. The college has served Detroit's urban community since 1967, providing accessible education across multiple locations.

How successful are students at completing programs at Wayne County Community College District?

Wayne County Community College District has a 23.40% six-year graduation rate, which is typical for urban community colleges serving working adults and part-time students. The college's mission centers on workforce development and providing transfer pathways rather than traditional four-year completion metrics.