Wayne State University
WSU
Detroit, Michigan 48202
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Wayne State University is a public institution in Detroit with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1147, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 15.7K undergraduates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
57% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $53,493 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,773.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Anthony Wayne Wayne State University was established in 1868 as the Detroit Medical College by five returning Civil War veterans.
- •The college charter from 1868 was signed by founder Theodore Andrews McGraw, M.
- •In 1885, the Detroit College of Medicine merged with its competitor, the Michigan College of Medicine and they consolidated buildings.
- •After the reorganization, McGraw became the first president and dean.
- •In 1881, the Detroit Normal Training School for Teachers was established by the Detroit Board of Education.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1147
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
60.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.8%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$16,597
Programs (301)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
82%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
120
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MI state average + large city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Detroit
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