Wayne State University: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
Detroit, Michigan · Public · Open access · CDS 2024-2025
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Wayne State University is a public university in Detroit, Michigan that admits about 78% of applicants, making it a open access school. The average family pays about $12,766 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Psychology, General, Public Health and International Business, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. About 59% of students graduate within six years. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 3.7 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
Wayne State University is a public institution located in Detroit, Michigan. For the most recent reporting cycle, Wayne State University admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 78%. Admitted students typically post a median SAT of 1160 and an ACT composite around 25. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $12,766 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for Wayne State University?
63% of enrolled students at Wayne State University had a high school GPA of 3.25 or above, and the average was 3.4, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.
What does Wayne State University weight in admissions?
Wayne State University reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2024-2025). What the weights mean
- • Academic GPA
- • Standardized test scores
SAT and ACT scores Wayne State University typically admits
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 520–630, with an EBRW midpoint near 575. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 23–29. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.
| 25th percentile | 1060 |
| 50th percentile | 1160 |
| 75th percentile | 1260 |
| % submitting SAT | 40.2% |
| 25th percentile | 23 |
| 50th percentile | 26 |
| 75th percentile | 29 |
| % submitting ACT | 2.5% |
- • Test-optional: Standardized test scores are not required, but may be submitted and considered.
- • Policy detail: Considered if submitted
How much does Wayne State University actually cost?
Published tuition is $15,190 for in-state students and $32,037 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $14,252 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $12,766 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 46% of students receive Pell Grants.
| In-state tuition | $13,643 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $31,248 |
| Room and board | $12,696 |
| Average net price (after aid) | $12,766 |
| Application fee | $25 (waivers available) |
Application deadlines and early decision data for Wayne State University
| Regular deadline | August 1 |
| Notification date | October 1 |
| Reply deadline | May 1 |
Will my child graduate from Wayne State University?
These predict outcomes at Wayne State University better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates
Most popular majors at Wayne State University
The most popular undergraduate programs at Wayne State University, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Psychology, General, Public Health and International Business. Across all programs, Wayne State University confers roughly 1,706 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Psychology, General program report a median income of about $53,572 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 331 | $53,572 |
| Public Health | 258 | — |
| International Business | 212 | $81,434 |
| Marketing | 209 | $58,487 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | 186 | $67,393 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 178 | $75,621 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 168 | $73,338 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 164 | $102,611 |
Is Wayne State University safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), Wayne State University disclosed 57 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 3.7 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 12 violent offenses and 11 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
What is campus life like at Wayne State University?
About 15% of undergraduates at Wayne State University live in campus housing, so a meaningful share of students commute or live off campus. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.
Other colleges in Michigan parents ask about
Colleges that admit at a similar rate
Next steps for Wayne State University
Common questions parents ask about Wayne State University
What GPA do I need for Wayne State University?
63% of enrolled students at Wayne State University had a high school GPA of 3.25 or above, and the average was 3.4, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.
What SAT or ACT score does Wayne State University typically admit?
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 520–630, with an EBRW midpoint near 575. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 23–29.
How much does Wayne State University actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Wayne State University after grants and scholarships is $12,766 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $15,190 and $32,037 out of state. Budget against the net figure.
Is Wayne State University realistic for my child?
Wayne State University admits 78% of applicants, so 520–630 SAT Math is target range and below 520 is a reach. Then check the $12,766 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at Wayne State University?
Wayne State University accepts about 78% of applicants out of roughly 17,699 who apply each year. It admits the majority of qualified applicants.
Is Wayne State University test-optional?
Yes. Wayne State University is test-optional, so SAT and ACT scores are not required, but strong scores can still be submitted and will be considered.
What is the graduation rate at Wayne State University?
About 59% of students at Wayne State University graduate within six years. 83% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Graduation rate predicts real outcomes better than acceptance rate.
What does Wayne State University look for in applicants?
Wayne State University rates GPA as "very important" in its Common Data Set. These are the factors the admissions committee weighs most heavily when reviewing an application.
Is Wayne State University a public or private school, and where is it located?
Wayne State University is a public institution located in Detroit, Michigan.
What are the most popular majors at Wayne State University?
The largest undergraduate majors at Wayne State University by annual graduates are Psychology, General, Public Health and International Business. The school awards about 1,706 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is Wayne State University safe? What is its campus crime rate?
Wayne State University reported 57 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 3.7 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
What is campus life like at Wayne State University?
At Wayne State University, 15% of undergraduates live on campus, according to its most recent Common Data Set.
Sources: the 2024-2025 Common Data Set submitted by Wayne State University, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers