WSU vs. Chatham

Comparable Facts

Compare Wayne State University in Detroit, MI with Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than Chatham based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 2,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wayne State University is located in Detroit, MI (Large City setting); Chatham University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Chatham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wayne State University 14:1; Chatham University 10:1.

WSU vs. Chatham Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU or Chatham? 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 Chatham ($14,416 vs. $31,280).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chatham University are 4.6% lower than at Wayne State University ($13,600 vs. $14,252).
• Chatham University is 193.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $29,436 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.3% higher at Chatham than at Wayne State University (about $12,589 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chatham University than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chatham University students is 132.3% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($30,095 vs. $12,953).

WSU vs. Chatham Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chatham University (1180) is 10 points higher than at WSU (1170).
• Incoming WSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Chatham).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 1060/1270; Chatham University 1070/1295.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 23/29; Chatham University 21/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; Chatham - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Chatham (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WSU vs. 12.7% at Chatham.

WSU vs. Chatham Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU and Chatham? 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).

• Chatham University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $14,300 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chatham University graduates have a $1,758 lower median loan debt than WSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,258).
• Among borrowers, Chatham graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSU graduates ($211 vs. $230).
• More Chatham graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.