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Colleges / MI / Detroit
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Wayne State University

Public Detroit, MI · Urban · Great Lakes · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
58%
Graduation Rate
$53,493
Earnings (10yr)
$12,766
Net Price
81%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Wayne State University, nestled in Detroit, appeals to students who are looking for a solid education without an overly selective admission process. With an acceptance rate of 81%, it provides a welcoming environment for a diverse range of applicants. Here, students can engage in popular programs like Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology, Engineering, and Biology & Biomedical sciences, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests and career aspirations.

After graduation, students from Wayne State can expect to earn around $53,493 within a decade, which is a reasonable figure that reflects the university's commitment to preparing graduates for the workforce. Affordability plays a key role as well, with a net price of approximately $12,766 after financial aid, making it accessible for many. The significant percentage of students receiving Pell Grants—46%—indicates that the university is a viable option for those from lower-income backgrounds, further enhancing upward mobility for its graduates.

When considering the financial aspects, the median debt at graduation stands at $21,250, which is manageable for many students. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes Wayne State a practical choice for those ready to invest in their future. Students who thrive here are often those who take advantage of the university's resources and are motivated to succeed in a vibrant urban environment.

Rankings

How Wayne Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation58%Earnings 10yr$53KNet Price$13KRetention83%Median Debt$21KPell Grant Rate46%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$11K$0-30K$11K$30-48K$12K$48-75K$20K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1260.1%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1942.3%MOBILITY244.74%

Cost & Financial Aid

$15,190
In-State Tuition
$32,037
Out-of-State
$12,766
Avg Net Price
$21,250
Median Debt
46%
Pell Grant Rate
38%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$11,090
Family Income $0–$30K
$10,721
Family Income $30K–$48K
$12,068
Family Income $48K–$75K
$19,862
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$45,207
6 Years After Entry
$50,384
8 Years
$53,493
10 Years
0.4x
Debt-to-Earnings
61%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$45,207 6yr $50,384 8yr $53,493 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

244.74%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1942.3%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1260.1%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$81,800
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

0.84
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.27
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.9%
Volunteering Rate
0.94
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 81%
Retention Rate 83%
SAT Average 1156
ACT Midpoint 25
SAT Range 1060–1270
ACT Range 23–29
Full-Time Faculty 58%
Faculty Salary (mo) $12,166
Diversity Index 0.66
First-Gen Students 38%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 23%
Health Professions 14%
Psychology 10%
Engineering 7%
Biology & Biomedical 5%
Computer Science & IT 5%
Education 4%
Social Sciences 4%