Wayne State University: 75.3% Acceptance Rate

75.3%Acceptance

$14,297Tuition

15,676Students

57%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$53,493Earnings

#9 in MichiganPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Wayne State University

Wayne State University anchors Detroit's medical and cultural districts as a major research institution. The school enrolls 15,676 students and has produced notable graduates like civil rights icon Rosa Parks and former Detroit mayor Coleman Young. Wayne State's medical school ranks among the nation's most diverse, while its engineering programs benefit from Detroit's automotive heritage. The university accepts 75% of applicants with an average SAT of 1150.

Students pay an average net price of $14,773 after financial aid, with 43% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $53,493 ten years after college, making the typical debt load of $21,250 manageable with monthly payments around $225. In-state tuition costs $14,297, keeping college affordable for the 97% of students from Michigan. The employment rate hits 94%, reflecting strong job prospects in Detroit's recovering economy.

Nearly 60% of students are women, and the campus draws a diverse mix with 17% Black and 14% Asian students. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention despite the large enrollment. Wayne State competes in Division II athletics as the Warriors, offering 16 varsity sports. Most students commute from metro Detroit, though campus housing serves over 3,000 residents.

Academics & Faculty

Wayne State operates as a major public research university with particularly strong medical and engineering programs that serve Detroit's urban community. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors despite the university's research focus. With a 56.5% six-year graduation rate, students face typical challenges of balancing academics with work and family responsibilities common at urban institutions. The medical school ranks among the nation's most diverse and trains many physicians who stay to serve Detroit. Engineering programs connect directly to the automotive industry's needs. Wayne State's research mission means undergraduates can access lab opportunities, though the university primarily serves students seeking practical, career-focused education rather than a traditional college experience.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 58.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 58.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 56.5%
Retention Rate: 81.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $53,493
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$119,061
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Doctoral	$118,922
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$105,465
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Master	$105,037
Mechanical Engineering.	Master	$97,071
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$90,079
Industrial Engineering.	Master	$84,653
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$79,473
Industrial Engineering.	Bachelor	$77,401
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$76,460

View all 301 programs →

Campus Life

Wayne State sits in the heart of Detroit's Midtown district, surrounded by the city's cultural institutions and revitalization efforts. Only 3,216 students can live in campus housing despite total enrollment of 15,676, so most Warriors commute from metro Detroit neighborhoods. Detroit winters demand heavy coats and boots, with lake-effect snow and temperatures often below freezing from December through March.

The campus blends urban energy with green spaces like the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Students frequent nearby venues in Midtown's entertainment district, including the Detroit Institute of Arts and concert halls. With 96.92% of students from Michigan, weekends often mean heading home or exploring Detroit's reviving downtown scene. The medical school draws serious pre-health students who spend long hours in laboratories and study groups. Engineering students benefit from Detroit's automotive industry connections for internships and research projects. Campus traditions center around Warrior athletics competing in Division II, though the commuter culture means game attendance varies widely depending on team performance and weather conditions.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 3,216 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1868

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	9	0	1	7
Rape	8	5	1	0
Dating Violence	4	4	0	1
Burglary	4	1	1	0
Fondling	3	2	0	1
Stalking	3	1	0	0
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	1
Robbery	1	0	0	1
Aggravated Assault	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

Wayne State draws primarily local students, with 97% coming from Michigan. The student body reflects Detroit's diversity, with strong representation from Black, Asian, and Hispanic communities alongside white students. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to serving working-class families in the Motor City. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, partly due to strong nursing and education programs. This mix creates a campus where first-generation college students work alongside peers from established Detroit families, all pursuing practical degrees that serve the region's healthcare, engineering, and education needs.

Men: 40.7%
Women: 59.3%
White: 54.0%
Black: 17.2%
Hispanic: 7.7%
Asian: 13.9%
In-State Students: 96.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 43.0%

Location

Wayne State sits in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, serving as the city's primary public research university. The campus spreads across 200 acres in Detroit's Midtown Cultural Center, placing students directly in America's Motor City. Detroit's population of 670,000 makes it Michigan's largest city and a major Great Lakes metropolitan area. The university benefits from Detroit's ongoing revitalization, with students accessing internships at major automotive companies, healthcare systems, and tech startups. Over 96% of students come from in-state, reflecting the school's deep Michigan roots. The urban setting offers cultural attractions like the Detroit Institute of Arts and Fox Theatre within walking distance. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Wayne State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Detroit, Michigan 48202

PostcardDetroitMIDetroitCollegeOfMedicine1911 - Copy

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $53,493
Median Earnings (5 years): $62,306
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 38.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $225/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Wayne State University?

Wayne State University accepts 75.32% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a major research university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1040 and 1260 on the SAT, reflecting the school's role as an accessible option for Detroit-area students seeking quality higher education.

How much does Wayne State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Wayne State University is $14,773, with 43.04% of students receiving need-based aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,337 on average, making this Detroit institution particularly affordable for low-income students in Michigan.

What is Wayne State University known for academically?

Wayne State University operates as a major public research institution with particularly strong medical and engineering programs serving Detroit. The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, allowing for meaningful interaction despite serving 15,676 students in an urban setting.

What are the career outcomes like for Wayne State University graduates?

Wayne State University graduates earn a median salary of $53,493 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 94.3% employment rate. The university's deep ties to Detroit's healthcare and automotive industries help explain these strong outcomes for its Warriors alumni.

Where do students live at Wayne State University?

Wayne State University houses 3,216 students on campus, though 96.92% of the student body comes from within Michigan. The campus sits in the heart of Detroit, giving students direct access to internships and cultural opportunities in one of America's great comeback cities.

Does Wayne State University have notable alumni?

Wayne State University counts civil rights icon Rosa Parks and longtime Detroit mayor Coleman Young among its distinguished graduates. The university has also produced controversial physician Jack Kevorkian and beloved comedian Lily Tomlin, reflecting its broad impact on American society and culture.