Butler vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Butler University in Indianapolis, IN with Wayne State University in Detroit, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than Butler based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 5,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

Butler vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler or WSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Wayne State University than Butler ($14,416 vs. $38,438).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wayne State University are 13.3% lower than at Butler University ($14,252 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 213.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $32,370 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.5% higher at Butler than at Wayne State University (about $15,523 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wayne State University than at Butler University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Butler University students is 114.5% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($27,790 vs. $12,953).

Butler vs. WSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler or WSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WSU and Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Butler University (1260) is 90 points higher than at WSU (1170).
• Incoming Butler students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at WSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027; WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at WSU (3.42).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than WSU (81.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 22.4% at WSU.

Butler vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler and WSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Butler University's six-year graduation rate (72%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $17,400 more per year than WSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $4,742 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($22,258 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Butler graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 38%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.