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Wayne State University is a large, public higher learning institution that was founded in 1868. The diverse student population of over 27,000 is located in Detroit and is home to students from over 75 countries. A strategic partnership with Michigan State University and the University of Michigan makes up the University Research Corridor in the state of Michigan that generates at least 95% of research that is conducted in the state. WSU also hosts one of the top rankings for community engagement and research by the Carnegie Foundation.


Overview of Wayne State University


This exceptional state university has 13 specialized colleges and schools with roughly 350 degree offerings. These programs are complemented by a number of education-enhancing tools and resources, including world-class facilities and faculty. Over $238 million is made available for research projects and the dedication toward campus safety makes it one of the 50 safest campuses in the country. The school also provides TechTown, which is one of the most well-respected incubator and accelerator programs in the state.

In addition to remarkable educational opportunities, the university’s leaders focus on a well-rounded college experience. Students have access to over 400 cultural activities and events each year throughout Midtown. Over 500 organizations and clubs are available in the school along with 18 sports teams at the varsity level. And students can connect with any of the almost 275,000 alumni worldwide.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 14:1
Graduation Rate 48%
Year Founded 1868

Student Enrollment


Total Students27,025

Undergraduate
17,574
Graduate
9,451

Undergraduate Student

Male 7,557
7,557
Female 10,017
10,017

Graduate Student

Male 4,064
4,064
Female 5,387
5,387

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Admissions


APPLICATIONS15,716

Male 5,941
Female 9,591

ACCEPTANCE11,473

Male 4,456
Female 6,906

Acceptance Rate73%

Male 75%
Female 72%

Enrollment 2,983

Male 805
Female 746
Admissions
Application Fee NA
High School GPA Required
High School Rank NA
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Recommended
Recommendations NA
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline August 1
Common Application Accepted Yes

Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Because WSU is a public, state school, students will expect to pay significantly more for out-of-state tuition at $28,887, significantly more than the $13,517 for in-state students. The overall net price average is $15,012. Around 98% of students take advantage of financial assistance opportunities in the form of student loans, grants, or scholarships. It is important to note that students will be responsible for additional expenditures at roughly $14,000 a year to pay for room and board, books, supplies, and more.

For individuals who want to spend time off-campus and to explore the Detroit metro during their time studying, even more funds will be necessary including enough for shopping, traveling, movies, streaming services, etc. If a student lives off-campus, a budget for transportation may also be essential. It is possible to find local or online employment to help offset school costs.

Average net price 2018-2019
Net Price $15,012
Average Total Aid $9,243
Students Receiving Financial Aid 98%
Room & Board $10,382

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $13,517
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $28,887
  • Books and Supplies - $1,246
  • Room & Board - $10,382
  • Other - $2,341

Academics


At WSU, students can choose from a wide array of college and school options, including business, education, engineering, information sciences, medicine, law, social work, nursing, pharmacy and health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and more. Degrees are available at all levels and it’s even possible for the most advanced students to take courses through the Honors College.

Students can pursue even more optional degree enhancement programs and activities, such as dedicated learning communities, a research opportunities program for undergraduate students, global programs and study abroad programs, and student organizations in both academic pursuits and personal interests. Institutes and centers are also available to support career aspirations and to ensure students graduate with hands-on experience including environmental health sciences, urban responses to environmental stressors, academic success and math resource centers, as well as centers and services for student disabilities, pre-med and health science, writing, peer-assisted learning, and more.

Wayne State has a solid retention rate of 79%. However, the graduation rates at the university are low for a public university, at 20% and 48% for four-year and six-year graduation rates, respectively. These figures could be lower than average due to the fact the school is home to so many professional degrees that take longer if a student is working at the same time. Given the fact the ratio of students to faculty is 14 to 1, one would expect better graduation rates. Another reason for the low percentages could be that the school does not offer enough support for students to remain on track throughout the duration of their academic career, if a high rate of transfers for those who had another school in mind but needed prerequisites to get in.

Student Population Total


Student Population 27,025

Undergraduate
17,574
Graduate
9,451
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business Majors 717 Total Graduates / 20%
International Business/Trade/Commerce 173 Graduates
Organizational Behavior Studies 137 Graduates
Finance, General 120 Graduates
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 115 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Programs 445 Total Graduates / 13%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 141 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other 119 Graduates
Public Health, General 99 Graduates
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General 27 Graduates
All Psychology Majors 307 Total Graduates / 9%
Psychology, General 307 Graduates
All Engineering Majors 279 Total Graduates / 8%
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 86 Graduates
Mechanical Engineering 83 Graduates
Civil Engineering, General 32 Graduates
Chemical Engineering 31 Graduates
All Education Majors 209 Total Graduates / 6%
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 109 Graduates
Secondary Education and Teaching 41 Graduates
Elementary Education and Teaching 30 Graduates
Special Education and Teaching, General 15 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 45%

Outcome & Salary


One of the best ways for WSU students to boost their employability is to pursue internships, research studies, work-study, student assistant opportunities, campus jobs, or full-time employment while taking courses. The university assists students with finding any type of employment while being an active student. It’s also possible to utilize career readiness services, the career portal, and a number of career support services.

A few of the job search resources made available to Wayne State students include resume writing, cover letter creating, job searching, interviewing, salary negotiating, community engaging, and more. Given today’s climate, students can now work with the career counseling center online. The university continues to bring employers and students together in the most effective and safe ways possible.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary NA
College Grads Average Salary NA
College Grads Mid Career Salary NA
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential NA
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential NA
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year NA
10 Year Projected ROI NA
20 Year Projected ROI NA
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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