What SAT score do I need for Wayne State University?

Wayne State University's middle 50% SAT range is 1060 to 1270. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.

What ACT score do I need for Wayne State University?

Middle 50% ACT range is 23 to 29. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.

What is the acceptance rate at Wayne State University?

Wayne State University admits roughly 81% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.

What does Wayne State University actually cost after financial aid?

Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $12,766 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.

Is Wayne State University a reach, match, or safety for me?

Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Wayne State University as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

Wayne State University Acceptance Rate: 81.2% (2026) & How to Get In

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Midwest

Wayne State University has an acceptance rate of 81.2% and a middle-50% SAT range of 1060-1270. The numbers below show who gets in and what it costs.

Acceptance rate: 81.2%
SAT mid-50: 1060-1270
Cost after aid: $12,766
Graduation rate: 58%

What Wayne State University says matters

How Wayne State University rates each admissions factor in its Common Data Set, with the full published numbers below.

Acceptance rate: 76%; 697 of 917
Yield: 34%; 237 enrolled
SAT mid-50: 1060-1290
ACT mid-50: 23-28
CDS year: 2025-26

Acceptance rate by gender

Men: 82%5,502 of 6,686
Women: 85%8,231 of 9,660

Very important

Academic GPA

Important

Standardized test scores

Considered

Rigor of secondary school record
Application essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular activities
Character or personal qualities
Volunteer work
Work experience

Not considered

Class rank
Interview
Talent or ability
First generation
Alumni relation
Geographical residence
State residency
Religious affiliation or commitment
Level of applicant's interest

The full Common Data Set

Every figure Wayne State University published for 2025-26, section by section.

First-Time, First-Year Admission196

Entrance Exams

In addition, does your institution use applicants' test scores for academic advising?: Yes
Latest date by which SAT or ACT scores must be received for fall-term admission: Month: 8
Latest date by which SAT or ACT scores must be received for fall-term admission: Day: 1
SAT: Yes
ACT: Yes
AP: Yes
CLEP: Yes
Institutional Exam: Yes
Does your institution make use of SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions for first-time, first-year, degree-seeking applicants?: Yes
SAT or ACT: /ADMS_RFS

Applications

Total first-time, first-year males who applied: 6,686
Total first-time, first-year females who applied: 9,660
Total first-time, first-year students of unknown sex who applied: 917
Total first-time, first-year males who were admitted: 5,502
Total first-time, first-year females who were admitted: 8,231
Total first-time, first-year students of unknown sex who were admitted: 697
Total first-time, first-year males who enrolled: 1,181
Total first-time, first-year females who enrolled: 1,653
Total first-time, first-year students of unknown sex who enrolled: 237
Total full-time, first-time, first-year males who enrolled: 1,132
Total part-time, first-time, first-year males who enrolled: 49
Total full-time, first-time, first-year females who enrolled: 1,609
Total part-time, first-time, first-year females who enrolled: 44
Total full-time, first-time, first-year students of unknown sex who enrolled: 229
Total part-time, first-time, first-year students of unknown sex who enrolled: 8
Total first-time, first-year students who applied: 17,263
Total first-time, first-year students who were admitted: 14,430
Total first-time, first-year students who enrolled: 3,071
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 15,236
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 12,973
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 2,887
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 1,363
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 1,051
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 93
Total first-time, first-year who applied: 664
Total first-time, first-year who were admitted: 406
Total first-time, first-year who enrolled: 91

Wait List

Do you have a policy of placing students on a waiting list?: No

Admissions Requirements

High school completion requirement: GED
Total academic units: 18
English: 4
Mathematics: 4
Science: 3
Of these, units that must be lab: 0
Foreign language: 2
Social studies: 3
History: 0
Academic electives: 0
Computer Science: 0
Visual/Performing Arts: 1
Other (specify): 1

Basis for Selection

Rigor of secondary school record: Considered
Class rank: Not Considered
Academic GPA: Very Important
Standardized test scores: Important
Application Essay: Considered
Recommendation(s): Considered
Interview: Not Considered
Extracurricular activities: Considered
Talent/ability: Not Considered
Character/personal qualities: Considered
First generation: Not Considered
Alumni/ae relation: Not Considered
Geographical residence: Not Considered
State residency: Not Considered
Religious affiliation/commitment: Not Considered
Volunteer work: Considered
Work experience: Considered
Level of applicant’s interest: Not Considered

First-time, first-year Profile

Percent Submitting SAT Scores: 36%
Percent Submitting ACT Scores: 2.6%
Number Submitting SAT Scores: 1,102
Number Submitting ACT Scores: 81
SAT Composite: 25th Percentile: 1,060
SAT Composite: 50th Percentile: 1,180
SAT Composite: 75th Percentile: 1,290
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 25th Percentile: 550
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 50th Percentile: 600
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 75th Percentile: 650
SAT Math: 25th Percentile: 510
SAT Math: 50th Percentile: 580
SAT Math: 75th Percentile: 640
ACT Composite: 25th Percentile: 23%
ACT Composite: 50th Percentile: 25%
ACT Composite: 75th Percentile: 28%
ACT Math: 25th Percentile: 22%
ACT Math: 50th Percentile: 25%
ACT Math: 75th Percentile: 28%
ACT English: 25th Percentile: 21%
ACT English: 50th Percentile: 24%
ACT English: 75th Percentile: 29%
ACT Science: 25th Percentile: 23%
ACT Science: 50th Percentile: 25%
ACT Science: 75th Percentile: 30%
ACT Reading: 25th Percentile: 23%
ACT Reading: 50th Percentile: 27%
ACT Reading: 75th Percentile: 31%
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 700-800: 9.44
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 600-699: 43.47
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 500-599: 37.29
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 400-499: 9.07
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 300-399: 0.64
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 200-299: 0.09
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: Total: 100
SAT Math: 700-800: 9.44
SAT Math: 600-699: 32.21
SAT Math: 500-599: 39.2
SAT Math: 400-499: 17.79
SAT Math: 300-399: 1.36
SAT Math: 200-299: 0
SAT Math: Total: 100
SAT Composite: 1400-1600: 6.9
SAT Composite: 1200-1399: 39.56
SAT Composite: 1000-1199: 42.1
SAT Composite: 800-999: 10.8
SAT Composite: 600-799: 0.64
SAT Composite: 400-599: 0
SAT Composite: Total: 100
ACT Composite: 30-36: 19.75
ACT Composite: 24-29: 46.91
ACT Composite: 18-23: 30.86
ACT Composite: 12-17: 2.47
ACT Composite: 6-11: 0
ACT Composite: Below 6: 0
ACT English: 30-36: 23.46
ACT English: 24-29: 37.04
ACT English: 18-23: 32.1
ACT English: 12-17: 7.41
ACT English: 6-11: 0
ACT English: Below 6: 0
ACT Math: 30-36: 18.52
ACT Math: 24-29: 43.21
ACT Math: 18-23: 25.93
ACT Math: 12-17: 12.35
ACT Math: 6-11: 0
ACT Math: Below 6: 0
ACT Reading: 30-36: 39.51
ACT Reading: 24-29: 29.63
ACT Reading: 18-23: 30.86
ACT Reading: 12-17: 0
ACT Reading: 6-11: 0
ACT Reading: Below 6: 0
ACT Science: 30-36: 28.4
ACT Science: 24-29: 39.51
ACT Science: 18-23: 28.4
ACT Science: 12-17: 2.47
ACT Science: 6-11: 1.23
ACT Science: Below 6: 0
Percent who had GPA of 4.0: 23%
Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99: 25%
Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74: 15%
Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49: 11%
Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24: 9.3%
Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99: 14%
Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49: 2.3%
Total: 100
Percent who had GPA of 4.0: 9.4%
Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99: 16%
Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74: 16%
Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49: 16%
Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24: 17%
Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99: 24%
Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49: 88%
Percent who had GPA between 1.0 and 1.99: 6.0%
Total: 100
Percent who had GPA of 4.0: 15%
Percent who had GPA between 3.75 and 3.99: 20%
Percent who had GPA between 3.50 and 3.74: 16%
Percent who had GPA between 3.25 and 3.49: 14%
Percent who had GPA between 3.00 and 3.24: 14%
Percent who had GPA between 2.50 and 2.99: 20%
Percent who had GPA between 2.0 and 2.49: 1.4%
Percent who had GPA between 1.0 and 1.99: 3.0%
Total: 100
Average high school GPA of all degree-seeking, first-time, first-year students who submitted GPA:: 3.42
Percent of total first-time, first-year students who submitted high school GPA:: 95%

Admission Policies

Does your institution have an application fee?: Yes
Amount of application fee:: 25
Can it be waived for applicants with financial need?: Yes
Can on-line application fee be waived for applicants with financial need?: Yes
Does your institution have an application closing date?: Yes
Application closing date (fall): Month: 8
Application closing date (fall): Day: 1
Are first-time, first-year students accepted for terms other than the fall?: Yes
Yes, on a rolling basis:: Considered
Date: Month: 10
Date: Day: 1
Must reply by (date): Yes
Date: Month: 5
Date: Day: 1
Amount of housing deposit:: 125
Refundable if student does not enroll?: No
Does your institution allow students to postpone enrollment after admission?: No
Does your institution allow high school students to enroll as full-time, first-time, first-year students one year or more before high school graduation?: No
Does your institution offer an early decision plan (an admission plan that permits students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification date and that asks students to commit to attending if accepted) for first-time, first-year applicants for fall enrollment?: No
Do you have a nonbinding early action plan whereby students are notified of an admission decision well in advance of the regular notification date but do not have to commit to attending your college?: No

Transfer Admission47

Fall Applicants

Does your institution enroll transfer students? (If no, please skip to Section E): Yes
If yes, may transfer students earn advanced standing credit by transferring credits earned from course work completed at other colleges/universities?: Yes
Males: 1,311
Females: 2,144
Unknown: 609
Total: 4,064
Males: 916
Females: 1,509
Unknown: 469
Total: 2,894
Males: 441
Females: 681
Unknown: 259
Total: 1,381

Application for Admission

Fall: Yes
Winter: Yes
Spring: Yes
Summer: Yes
Must a transfer applicant have a minimum number of credits completed or else must apply as an entering first-year student?: No
High school transcript: Required for Some
College transcript(s): Required
Essay or personal statement: Required for Some
Interview: Not Required
Standardized test scores: Required for Some
Statement of good standing from prior institution(s): Not Required
If a minimum college grade point average is required of transfer applicants, specify (on a 4.0 scale):: 2.5
Fall Closing Date: Month: 8
Winter Closing Date: Month: 12
Winter Closing Date: Day: 15
Spring Closing Date: Month: 4
Summer Closing Date: Month: 4
Does an open admission policy, if reported, apply to transfer students?: No
Report the lowest grade earned for any course that may be transferred for credit:: C

Transfer Credit Policies

Maximum number of credits or courses that may be transferred from a two-year institution:: 64
Maximum number of credits or courses that may be transferred from a two-year institution:: C
Maximum number of credits or courses that may be transferred from a four-year institution:: C
Minimum number of credits that transfers must complete at your institution to earn an associate degree:: C
Minimum number of credits that transfers must complete at your institution to earn a bachelor’s degree:: 30
Minimum number of credits that transfers must complete at your institution to earn a bachelor’s degree:: C
American Council on Education (ACE): Yes
College Level Examination Program (CLEP): Yes
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST): No
Number: 12
Unit Type: C
Unit Type: C
Are the military/veteran credit transfer policies published on your website?: Yes
If yes, please provide the URL where the policy can be located:: https://bulletins.wayne.edu/graduate/general-information/student-academic-success-services/#:~:text=Wayne%20State%20University%20will%20accept%20up%20to%20twelve,Services%2C%E2%80%99%20published%20by%20the%20American%20Council%20on%20Education.

Academic Offerings and Policies18

Special Study Options

Accelerated program: Yes
Comprehensive transition and postsecondary program for students with intellectual disabilities: Yes
Distance learning: Yes
Double major: Yes
Dual enrollment: Yes
English as a Second Language (ESL): Yes
Honors Program: Yes
Independent study: Yes
Study abroad: Yes
Teacher certification program: Yes

Required Course Work

English (including composition): Yes
Foreign languages: Yes
History: Yes
Humanities: Yes
Mathematics: Yes
Philosophy: Yes
Sciences (biological or physical): Yes
Social science: Yes

Student Life37

Percent Participating

Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator): 1.6%
Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing: 32%
Percent who live off campus or commute: 68%
Percent of students age 25 and older: 75%
Percent who are from out of state (exclude international/nonresidents from the numerator and denominator): 1.6%
Percent who live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing: 15%
Percent who live off campus or commute: 85%
Percent of students age 25 and older: 15%

Average Age

Average age of full-time students: 18
Average age of all students (full- and part-time): 18.13
Average age of full-time students: 20.67
Average age of all students (full- and part-time): 21.97

Activities Offered

Campus Ministries: Yes
Choral groups: Yes
Concert band: Yes
Dance: Yes
Drama/theater: Yes
International Student Organization: Yes
Jazz band: Yes
Marching band: Yes
Model UN: Yes
Music ensembles: Yes
Musical theater: Yes
Pep band: Yes
Radio station: Yes
Student government: Yes
Student newspaper: Yes
Student-run film society: Yes
Symphony orchestra: Yes

ROTC

Army ROTC is offered:: At cooperating institution
Name of Cooperating Institution: University of Michigan
Air Force ROTC is offered:: At cooperating institution
Name of Cooperating Institution: University of Michigan

Housing

Coed residence halls: Yes
Apartments for married students: Yes
Apartments for single students: Yes
Theme housing: Yes

Annual Expenses3

Information

Please provide the URL of your institution’s net price calculator:: https://irda.wayne.edu/net-price-calculator/index.html
If your institution's 2026-2027 academic year costs of attendance are not available at this time please respond.: Yes
Please provide an approximate date (i.e., month/day) when your institution's final 2026-2027 academic year costs of attendance will be available:: 6/11/2026

Financial Aid108

Students Awarded Non-need-based Aid

N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 811
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 5,975.996
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 64
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 9,530.328
N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 2,749
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 5,938.557
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 239
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 13,952.548
N. Number of students in line a who had no financial need and who were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid (exclude those who were awarded athletic awards and tuition benefits): 129
O. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to students in line n: 4,333.984
P. Number of students in line a who were awarded an institutional non-need-based athletic scholarship or grant: 2
Q. Average dollar amount of institutional non-need-based athletic scholarships and grants awarded to students in line p: 13,937

Reporting Year

Academic Year: 2024

Methodology

Federal methodology (FM): Yes

Need-based Aid Awarded

Federal: 51267684
State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located: 31328167
Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below).: 44063838
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college: 2059370
Total Scholarships/Grants: 128719059
Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans): 57853395
Federal Work-Study: 3028819
Total Self-Help: 60882214
Parent Loans: 3602523
Tuition Waivers Note: Reporting is optional. Report tuition waivers in this row if you choose to report them. Do not report tuition waivers elsewhere.: 724937
Athletic Awards: 1351782

Non-need-based Aid Awarded

Federal: 18984
State all states, not only the state in which your institution is located: 213542
Institutional: Endowed scholarships, annual gifts and tuition funded grants, awarded by the college, excluding athletic aid and tuition waivers (which are reported below).: 18334120
Scholarships/grants from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) not awarded by the college: 908818
Total Scholarships/Grants: 19475464
Student loans from all sources (excluding parent loans): 18739910
Total Self-Help: 18739910
Parent Loans: 4833352
Tuition Waivers Note: Reporting is optional. Report tuition waivers in this row if you choose to report them. Do not report tuition waivers elsewhere.: 1156941
Athletic Awards: 3362533

Students Awarded Aid

A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item $B$1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort): 3,071
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 2,781
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 2,227
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 2,220
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 2,219
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 1,480
G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid: 215
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 289
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 68%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 18019.8306306306
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 14901.61829653
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 10775.4236486486
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 5304.10540540541
A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item $B$1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort): 13,053
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 10,909
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 9,272
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 9,170
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 8,883
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 6,954
G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid: 536
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 850
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 59%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 17175.145474373
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 13576.2493526962
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 11976.9454989934
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 6960.47310900201
A. Number of degree-seeking undergraduate students (CDS Item $B$1 if reporting on Fall 2024 cohort): 2,847
B. Number of students in line a who applied for need-based financial aid: 1,881
C. Number of students in line b who were determined to have financial need: 1,662
D. Number of students in line c who were awarded any financial aid: 1,496
E. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based scholarship or grant aid: 1,267
F. Number of students in line d who were awarded any need-based self-help aid: 1,101
G. Number of students in line d who were awarded any non-need-based scholarship or grant aid: 5
H. Number of students in line d whose need was fully met (exclude PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 29
I. On average, the percentage of need that was met of students who were awarded any need-based aid. Exclude any aid that was awarded in excess of need as well as any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 34%
J. The average financial aid package of those in line d. Exclude any resources that were awarded to replace EFC (PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans): 7986.12098930481
K. Average need-based scholarship and grant award of those in line e: 5688.16574585635
L. Average need-based self-help award (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f: 9413.51952770209
M. Average need-based loan (excluding PLUS loans, unsubsidized loans, and private alternative loans) of those in line f who were awarded a need-based loan: 8525.34786557675

Graduating Cohort

Provide the number of students in the 2024 undergraduate class who started at your institution as first-time students and received a bachelor's degree between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Exclude students who transferred into your institution.: 1,920

Source Type Loan

A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 894
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 872
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 179
A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 47
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 45
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 9
A. Any loan program: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized, institutional, state, private loans that your institution is aware of, etc. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 25616.461655481
B. Federal loan programs: Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Include both Federal Direct Student Loans and Federal Family Education Loans.: 20365.5249082569
E. Private student loans made by a bank or lender.: 28728

Aid to Nonresidents

Institutional need-based scholarship or grant aid is available: Yes
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available: Yes
If institutional financial aid is available for undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents, provide the number of undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents who were awarded need-based or non-need-based aid:: 285
Average dollar amount of institutional financial aid awarded to undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents:: 10,144.523
Total dollar amount of institutional financial aid awarded to undergraduate degree-seeking nonresidents:: 2,891,189

Financial Aid Forms

Institution’s own financial aid form: Yes
FAFSA: Yes

Financial Aid Deadlines

No deadline for filing required forms (applications processed on a rolling basis): Yes

Aid Available

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans: Yes
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: Yes
Federal Direct PLUS Loans: Yes
Federal Nursing Loans: Yes
Federal Pell Grants: Yes
Federal SEOG: Yes
State scholarships/grants: Yes
Private scholarships: Yes
College/university scholarship or grant aid from institutional funds: Yes
United Negro College Fund: Yes

Institutional Aid

Academics: Yes
Art: Yes
Athletics: Yes
Leadership: Yes
Music/drama: Yes
Leadership: Yes

Disciplinary Areas of Degrees Conferred29

Diploma/Certificates

TOTAL (should = 100%): 0

Associate

TOTAL (should = 100%): 0

Bachelors

Natural resources and conservation: 0.66
Area, ethnic, and gender studies: 0.33
Communication/journalism: 1.9
Computer and information sciences: 5.82
Personal and culinary services: 0.94
Education: 3.49
Engineering: 5.64
Engineering technologies: 2.88
Foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics: 1.11
Family and consumer sciences: 3.11
Law/legal studies: 0.56
English: 1.09
Liberal arts/general studies: 0.15
Biological/life sciences: 4.65
Mathematics and statistics: 0.56
Parks and recreation: 3.31
Philosophy and religious studies: 0.51
Physical sciences: 1.97
Psychology: 8.3
Homeland Security, law enforcement, firefighting, and protective services: 2.68
Public administration and social services: 2.83
Social sciences: 4.58
Visual and performing arts: 3.57
Health professions and related programs: 13.84
Business/marketing: 24.82
History: 0.7
TOTAL (should = 100%): 100%

Enrollment And Persistence171

Institutional Enrollment

Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: males: 1,132
Other first-year, degree-seeking: males: 324
All other degree-seeking: males: 3,542
Total degree-seeking: males: 4,998
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: males: 21
Total undergraduate Full-Time Students: males: 5,019
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: males: 49
Other first-year, degree-seeking: males: 48
All other degree-seeking: males: 1,072
Total degree-seeking: males: 1,169
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: males: 115
Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: males: 1,284
Degree-seeking, first-time: males: 561
All other degree-seeking: males: 1,429
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: males: 3
Degree-seeking, first-time: males: 193
All other degree-seeking: males: 703
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: males: 22
Total graduate Part-Time Students: males: 918
Total All Full-Time Students: Males: 7,012
Total All Part-Tim Students: Males: 2,202
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: females: 1,609
Other first-year, degree-seeking: females: 412
All other degree-seeking: females: 5,075
Total degree-seeking: females: 7,096
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: females: 34
Total undergraduate Full-Time Students: females: 7,130
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: females: 44
Other first-year, degree-seeking: females: 62
All other degree-seeking: females: 1,403
Total degree-seeking: females: 1,509
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: females: 296
Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: females: 1,805
Degree-seeking, first-time: females: 822
All other degree-seeking: females: 2,260
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: females: 8
Degree-seeking, first-time: females: 432
All other degree-seeking: females: 1,204
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: females: 21
Total graduate Part-Time Students: females: 1,657
Total Full-Time Students: Females: 10,220
Total Part-Tim Students: Females: 3,462
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: Unknown: 229
Other first-year, degree-seeking: Unknown: 67
All other degree-seeking: Unknown: 663
Total degree-seeking: Unknown: 959
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: Unknown: 0
Total undergraduate Full-Time Students: Unknown: 959
Degree-seeking, first-time first-year students: Unknown: 8
Other first-year, degree-seeking: Unknown: 13
All other degree-seeking: Unknown: 148
Total degree-seeking: Unknown: 169
All other undergraduates enrolled in credit courses: Unknown: 24
Total undergraduate Part-Time Students: Unknown: 193
Degree-seeking, first-time: Unknown: 33
All other degree-seeking: Unknown: 36
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: Unknown: 0
Degree-seeking, first-time: Unknown: 20
All other degree-seeking: Unknown: 30
All other graduates enrolled in credit courses: Unknown: 1
Total graduate Part-Time Students: Unknown: 51
Total Full-Time Students: Unknown: 1,028
Total Part-Time Students: Unknown: 244
Total all undergraduates: 16,390
Total all graduate: 7,778
Grand Total All Students: 24,168

All

Total graduate Full-Time Students: males: 1,993
Total graduate Full-Time Students: females: 3,090
Total graduate Full-Time Students: Unknown: 69

Enrollment by Racial/Ethnic Category

Nonresidents: 91
Hispanic/Latino: 299
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 628
White, non-Hispanic: 1,409
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 6
Asian, non-Hispanic: 469
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 144
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 25
TOTAL: 3,071
Nonresidents: 388
Hispanic/Latino: 1,278
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 3,005
White, non-Hispanic: 8,067
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 25
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2,360
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 5
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 703
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 69
TOTAL: 15,900
Nonresidents: 394
Hispanic/Latino: 1,363
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 3,141
White, non-Hispanic: 8,265
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 26
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2,395
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 5
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 723
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 78
TOTAL: 16,390

Persistence

Bachelor's degrees: 3,749
Postbachelor's certificates: 123
Master's degrees: 1,713
Post-Master's certificates: 69
Doctoral degrees – research/scholarship: 224
Doctoral degrees – professional practice: 591

Graduation Rates

Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 1,322
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 348
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 1,203
Total: 2,873
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 3
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 1
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 1
Total: 5
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 1,319
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 347
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 1,202
Total: 2,868
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 415
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 134
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 546
Total: 1,095
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 207
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 68
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 193
Total: 468
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 88
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 12
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 50
Total: 150
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 710
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 214
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 789
Total: 1,713
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 53.82
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 61.67
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 65.64
Total: 59.73
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 1,370
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 346
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 1,241
Total: 2,957
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 1
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 1
Total: 2
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 1,369
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 345
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 1,241
Total: 2,955
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 409
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 128
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 526
Total: 1,063
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 216
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 62
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 209
Total: 487
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 90
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 22
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 65
Total: 177
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 715
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 212
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 800
Total: 1,727
Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant: 52.22
Recipients of a Subsidized Stafford Loan who did not receive a Pell Grant: 61.44
Students who did not receive either a Pell Grant or a subsidized Stafford Loan: 64.46
Total: 58.44

Retention Rates

Report the number of all first-time, full-time, bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree-seeking undergraduate students who entered in Fall 2024 (or the preceding summer term).: 2,990
From this group, identify how many were still enrolled at your institution as of the official enrollment date in Fall 2025.: 2,452
Calculate the percentage of the Fall 2024 entering cohort who remained enrolled on the official census date.: 82%

Instructional Faculty And Class Size43

Instructional Faculty

A. Total number of instructional faculty: 967
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 309
C. Total number who are females: 481
D. Total number who are males: 486
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 48
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 815
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 55
A. Total number of instructional faculty: 636
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 163
C. Total number who are females: 375
D. Total number who are males: 261
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 22
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 187
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 34
A. Total number of instructional faculty: 1,603
B. Total number who are members of minority groups: 472
C. Total number who are females: 856
D. Total number who are males: 747
E. Total number who are nonresidents (international): 70
F. Total number with doctorate, or other terminal degree: 1,002
G. Total number whose highest degree is a master’s but not a terminal master’s: 0
H. Total number whose highest degree is a bachelor’s: 0
I. Total number whose highest degree is unknown or other (Note: Items f, g, h, and i must sum up to item a.): 0
J. Total number in stand-alone graduate/professional programs in which faculty teach virtually only graduate-level students: 89

Student to Faculty Ratio

Fall 2025 Student to Faculty ratio: 16
based on ____ students: 18,067.67
and ____ faculty: 1,112.67

Undergraduate Class Size

2-9: 128
10-19: 292
20-29: 447
30-39: 225
40-49: 95
50-99: 129
100+: 52
Total: 1,368
2-9: 100
10-19: 152
20-29: 220
30-39: 59
40-49: 3
50-99: 1
100+: 0
Total: 535

Source: Wayne State University's Common Data Set 2025-26

About Wayne State University

Wayne State University is a mid-sized public university in Detroit, MI, in a city setting.

What Wayne State University looks for

Wayne State University admits the majority of applicants who meet its baseline academic profile. For most students applying here, the work is in writing applications that reflect real fit rather than treating the application as a checklist. Demonstrated interest matters more here than at the most selective schools. Visiting, attending an info session, and asking real questions of admissions all move the needle.

Frequently asked

What SAT score do I need for Wayne State University?
Wayne State University's middle 50% SAT range is 1060 to 1270. A score in or above that band keeps you in the conversation; below it, the rest of your application has to do more work.
What ACT score do I need for Wayne State University?
Middle 50% ACT range is 23 to 29. The top of that range or above is what most admitted students submit when they choose to send a score.
What is the acceptance rate at Wayne State University?
Wayne State University admits roughly 81% of applicants. An acceptance rate above 40% means a strong application can land here without high-end stats.
What does Wayne State University actually cost after financial aid?
Average net cost (after institutional aid) is about $12,766 per year. Net cost varies enormously by family income; run the school's net price calculator for an estimate that reflects your situation.
Is Wayne State University a reach, match, or safety for me?
Compare your stats to the middle 50% above. If you are at or below the 25th percentile, treat Wayne State University as a reach. If you are in the middle 50%, it is a match. Above the 75th percentile and the school accepts above 25% overall, it is closer to a safety. Selectivity below 20% should be treated as a reach for everyone, period.

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