WSU vs. Carroll University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wayne State University in Detroit, MI with Carroll University in Waukesha, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than Carroll University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 3,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WSU vs. Carroll University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU or Carroll University? 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 Carroll University ($14,416 vs. $27,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wayne State University are 0.2% lower than at Carroll University ($14,252 vs. $14,280).
• Carroll University is 156% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $23,700 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.4% higher at Carroll University than at Wayne State University (about $6,853 more per year; $38,890.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carroll University than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carroll University students is 97.9% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($25,634 vs. $12,953).

WSU vs. Carroll University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSU or Carroll University? 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 Carroll University and WSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 10 points higher than at Carroll University (1160).
• Incoming WSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Carroll University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 1060/1270; Carroll University 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 23/29; Carroll University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; Carroll University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WSU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Carroll University (3.39).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Carroll University (66.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WSU vs. 17.5% at Carroll University.

WSU vs. Carroll University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU and Carroll University? 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).

• Carroll University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Carroll University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $4,742 lower median loan debt than Carroll University graduates ($22,258 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carroll University graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Carroll University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.