Campus Identity
Wayne State University is a large public university in Detroit, MI. Approximately 15,587 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 81% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Saint Clair, just 8 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 31 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 62/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Wayne State University is a large public university in Detroit, MI. Approximately 15,587 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 81% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Saint Clair, just 8 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 31 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 62/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Wayne State University is a 20,000+, urban school with NCAA D2 athletics. The campus is 31 miles from Pine Knob Ski Resort.
Athletics
NCAA D2
Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Urban setting
Weather
Cold Climate
43°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Wayne State University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Pine Knob Ski Resort, 31 miles away with 13 lifts and 80 skiable acres. All are within 40 miles of campus.
Michigan
Michigan
Michigan
Lake Life Campus
Lake Saint Clair is 8 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Wayne State University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Saint Clair
Lake access within 7.7 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Detroit, MI
Detroit has a cool climate, with winters averaging 26°F in Jan and summers peaking around 74°F in Jul.
Station: DETROIT CITY Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Wayne State University in MI earns a composite safety score of 62/100, rated Pretty Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $15,190 | $32,037 |
| Fees | $1,667 | $1,667 |
| Room & Board | $12,530 | $12,530 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $29,387 | $46,234 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
284 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wayne State University located?
Wayne State University is located in Detroit, MI. The main campus address is 42 W. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Wayne State University?
Wayne State University has an acceptance rate of 81%, making it accessible. Out of 16,981 applicants, 13,781 were admitted in the most recent year. 15,587 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Wayne State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Wayne State University scored between 23 and 29 on the ACT, with a median of 26. About 3% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Wayne State University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Wayne State University charges $15,190/year for in-state students and $32,037/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($12,530/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $30,013/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $12,766/year — what students actually pay. Use Wayne State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Wayne State University?
The undergraduate application fee at Wayne State University is $25. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Wayne State University have college sports?
Yes — Wayne State University competes at the NCAA D2 level in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships and competitive sports programs while balancing academics and athletics.
Is Wayne State University the right fit for me?
Whether Wayne State University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (81% admit rate), avg net price ($12,766/year after aid), campus culture in Detroit, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Wayne State University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Wayne State University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Detroit, MI
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D2
- Conference
- Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 43°F avg
- App Fee
- $25
- On Campus Safety Score
- 62/100
- Nearest Airport
- Detroit, MI (DET) · 5 mialso DTW (18 mi), MTC (21 mi)
Location
Detroit, MI