Wayne State University

  • 6/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Detroit, MI
  • 4.2 4 reviews
#6 Best Public Universities in Michigan

Overview

Total enrollment

23,803
Wayne State University overview
Wayne State University overview
  • Size Large
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Wayne State University occupies an urban campus in Detroit's Midtown Cultural Center Historic District, positioned three miles north of downtown Detroit. Established in 1868, the institution evolved from multiple predecessor schools into a comprehensive public research university, gaining its current name in 1956. The 200-acre campus combines modern academic facilities with historic buildings from Detroit's early 20th century development, including several structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Wayne State maintains particular academic strengths in medicine, engineering, business, and law, while operating Michigan's largest single-campus medical school and the state's only urban-focused law school. The university primarily serves commuter students from the Detroit metropolitan area, though it maintains several residence halls and apartments housing a portion of its student population in the heart of Detroit's cultural district.

Ratings

WSU is rated within the top 49% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    6 out of 10
  • Academics
    7 out of 10
  • Resources
    7 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    4 out of 10
  • Value
    6 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Challenging
Wayne State University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1060/1270
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 23/29
  • GPA 3.42

Acceptance Rate

81.2%
Wayne State University applications overview
  • Applications Due Aug 1, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 22.4%
  • Application Fee $25

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Michigan Resident Tuition

$15,190

Out of State Resident Tuition

$32,037

Breakdown

In State Costs for Wayne State University
  • Tuition $15,190
  • Books and Supplies $1,360
  • Other Fees $2,135
  • Room and Board $14,252
  • Budget for Other Expenses $4,314
  • Total One Year Cost $37,251

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$51,000 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

26% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Wayne State University are Business, Psychology, and Education. 17% of students major in Business, 10% in Psychology, and 9% in Education.

  • Business 17%
  • Psychology 10%
  • Education 9%
  • Health Professions 8%
  • Biology 7%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Wayne State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=172644.

GPA calculator: Wayne State University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026