WSU vs. WVU

Comparable Facts

Compare Wayne State University in Detroit, MI with West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than WVU based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 23,643 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wayne State University is located in Detroit, MI (Large City setting); West Virginia University is in Morgantown, WV (Small City setting).
• Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wayne State University 14:1; West Virginia University 19:1.

WSU vs. WVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU or WVU? 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 WVU ($14,416 vs. $15,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wayne State University are 2.3% lower than at West Virginia University ($14,252 vs. $14,582).
• Wayne State University is 50.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVU (about $5,086 more per year; $15,190.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12% higher at WSU than at West Virginia University (about $3,429 more per year; $32,037.00 vs. $28,608.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wayne State University than at West Virginia University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wayne State University students is 4.8% larger than aid received by West Virginia University students ($12,953 vs. $12,363).

WSU vs. WVU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 50 points higher than at WVU (1120).
• Incoming WSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at WVU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 1060/1270; West Virginia University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 23/29; West Virginia University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); WVU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WVU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WVU has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than WSU (81.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WSU vs. 24.8% at WVU.

WSU vs. WVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU and WVU? 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).

• West Virginia 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 $400 more per year than WVU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $50,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $1,743 lower median loan debt than WVU graduates ($22,258 vs. $24,001).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WVU graduates ($230 vs. $248).
• More WVU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.