WSU vs. Niagara University

Comparable Facts

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

Wayne State University is larger than Niagara University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 4,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WSU vs. Niagara University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU or Niagara 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 Niagara University ($14,416 vs. $16,613).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Niagara University are 6% lower than at Wayne State University ($13,400 vs. $14,252).
• Niagara University is 159% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $24,155 more per year; $39,345.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.8% higher at Niagara University than at Wayne State University (about $7,308 more per year; $39,345.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Niagara University than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Niagara University students is 159.2% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($33,575 vs. $12,953).

WSU vs. Niagara University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 20 points higher than at Niagara University (1150).
• Incoming WSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Niagara University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 1060/1270; Niagara University 1060/1235.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 23/29; Niagara University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; Niagara University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027; Niagara University Aug 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Niagara University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at WSU (3.42).
• Niagara University has a higher acceptance rate (87.4%) than WSU (81.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WSU vs. 14.5% at Niagara University.

WSU vs. Niagara University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU and Niagara 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).

• Niagara University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Niagara University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $43,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $2,742 lower median loan debt than Niagara University graduates ($22,258 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Niagara University graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More Niagara University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.