About

About Wayne State University

high research activityhealth sciences focusaccessible admissionspublic doctoral university

Wayne State University is a public research university in Detroit, MI, known for its high research activity, health sciences focus, and accessible admissions. With an acceptance rate of 75%, Wayne State University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,577 students each year. Wayne State University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1060–1290, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Wayne State University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,887 per year; the sticker price of $49,179 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Wayne State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

75%
Overall Accept Rate
2.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1175
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 1.00 – 3.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1060 – 1290 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 23 – 28

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Wayne State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Wayne State admits about 75% of applicants, so a solid GPA is your strongest lever here. Make sure your transcript shows an upward trend or consistent strength in core subjects, especially if you are applying to a competitive program like engineering or nursing.
Essay Strategy
Wayne State is deeply rooted in Detroit, so if you have any connection to the city, its communities, or its industries, weave that into your application materials. Admissions readers appreciate applicants who show genuine awareness of and interest in the Detroit environment.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Wayne State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Wayne State University has replaced all loans with grants. For families earning under $80,000, the average net annual cost is $0. Wayne State University's sticker price of ~$49k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30kOften $0~$49k/yr~$0 / yr
30k-48kOften $0~$49k/yr~$0 / yr
48k-75kOften $0~$49k/yr~$0 / yr
75k-110k~$49k/yr$14.8k
110k+~$49k/yr$19.9k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

56%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$45k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
14,921
Undergrad Enrollment
Wayne State University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch