About Wayne State College
The financial picture looks reasonable for most Nebraska families. Students pay an average net price of $15,108 after aid, with in-state and out-of-state students charged the same $7,970 tuition rate. Graduates earn a median of $47,075 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $19,000. The monthly loan payment of $201 represents a manageable burden for most career paths. About 97.9% of graduates find employment, though the 55.7% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to finish their degrees.
The Wildcats compete in 11 NCAA Division II sports with 332 total athletes receiving $1.4 million in athletic scholarships. Women make up 57.4% of the student body, and 85% of students come from within Nebraska. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 73% freshman retention rate indicates most students adapt well to small-town campus life.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 48.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 55.7%
- Retention Rate
- 73.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,075
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $55,286 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $50,558 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $50,439 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $48,522 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $44,091 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,108 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,503 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,187 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,658 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Bachelor | $32,284 |
Campus Life
The Wildcats compete in 11 NCAA Division II sports with 332 total athletes, creating a strong athletics culture on weekends. Students often gather for football games in fall or basketball during the brutal winter months. With 85% of students coming from Nebraska, there's a genuine small-town feel where professors know your name beyond just the 19:1 student-faculty ratio. Weekend options include outdoor activities when weather permits, trips to nearby Sioux City for shopping and dining, or campus events. The teacher education program draws many students who appreciate Wayne's close-knit community atmosphere. Greek life and residence hall programming provide social outlets during those long winter stretches.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,529 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1910
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–30°F
- July Avg
- 62°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 27.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 31.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.6%
- Women
- 57.4%
- White
- 77.7%
- Black
- 3.0%
- Hispanic
- 9.9%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 85.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.6%
Location
- Address
- Wayne, Nebraska 68787
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,075
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,470
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $201/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Wayne State College?
Wayne State College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of regional public universities, with a 72.97% retention rate indicating most students who enroll stay for their second year. The college serves primarily Nebraska residents, with 84.99% of students coming from in-state, reflecting its mission as a regional institution serving rural communities.
How much does Wayne State College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,108 annually, with the same $7,970 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,461 net price, while graduates typically leave with $19,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $201.
What is the academic experience like at Wayne State College?
Classes average 19 students per faculty member, creating a personal learning environment typical of smaller regional universities. Wayne State is particularly known for its teacher education programs, reflecting Nebraska's need for educators in rural school districts across the state.
What career outcomes do Wayne State College graduates achieve?
Graduates earn a median salary of $47,075 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97.9% employment rate. The 55.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and studies in this rural setting, though those who complete their degrees find steady employment.
What is campus life like at Wayne State College?
The campus houses 1,529 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community in the small town of Wayne. With 332 student-athletes competing in 11 NCAA Division II sports as the Wildcats, athletics play a central role in campus culture and school spirit.
Does Wayne State College offer good value for teacher preparation?
The college awards $1,416,493 in athletic scholarships and serves 26.58% Pell Grant recipients, making education accessible for working-class families. As a historically strong teacher preparation institution founded in 1910, Wayne State continues to supply educators to Nebraska's rural schools where certified teachers are desperately needed.
