Overview
Enrollment
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
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
WSU is rated within the top 49% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Wayne State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#580 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#184 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#14 in Best Colleges in Michigan
#6 in Best Public Colleges in Michigan
#471 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Value Colleges in Michigan
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1040/1260 |
| ACT | 21/28 |
| GPA | 3.42 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Michigan Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,316 |
| Other Fees | $1,804 |
| Room and Board | $11,762 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,410 |
| Total One Year Cost | $31,785 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,316 |
| Other Fees | $1,804 |
| Room and Board | $11,762 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,410 |
| Total One Year Cost | $47,907 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 17% |
| Psychology | 10% |
| Education | 9% |
| Health Professions | 8% |
| Biology | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering WSU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=172644 IPEDS survey data for Wayne State University.
Current students may use the Wayne State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025