Look beyond the university name
Wayne State University (WSU) is a public research university in Detroit, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1868, Wayne State consists of 13 schools and colleges offering approximately 375 programs. It is Michigan's third-largest university with nearly 24,000 graduate and undergraduate students.
| Location | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Founded | 1868 |
| Institution type | University |
| Total students | 26,241 |
| Faculty & staff | 6,298 |
| Research works (OpenAlex) | 136,944 |
| Total citations | 12,454,838 |
| President | Richard Bierschbach |
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
What can you study at Wayne State University?
Academics College of Engineering Wayne State's academic offerings are divided among 13 schools and colleges: the Mike Ilitch School of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering ; the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts; the Graduate School, the Law School , the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Information Sciences , the School of Medicine , the College of Nursing, the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences , the Irvin D. Reid Honors College, and the School of Social Work. Fall 2024 enrollment for the university consisted of 23,964 students; freshman enrollment was approximately 4,700, including nearly 3,100 first-year, first time in any college students, a 2% increase over the fall 2023 class. Wayne State offers approximately 375 undergraduate, postgraduate, specialist and certificate programs in 13 schools and colleges. Its most popular undergraduate majors by 2024 graduates were: Psychology Business administration Social work Medicine (M.D.) Public health Computer science Marketing Management Finance Global supply chain management Schools and colleges Main articles: Wayne State University College of Engineering , Wayne State University Law School , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences , and Wayne State University School of Social Work The Charles Lang Freer House houses the Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute of Human Development & Family Life. The Mike Ilitch School of Business offers undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees, including the M.B.A. The college also offers undergraduate and graduate certificates. The programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business .
Research strengths (by indexed output): Quantum Chromodynamics and Particle Interactions, Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies, High-Energy Particle Collisions Research, Particle Detector Development and Performance, Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes.
For the complete programme catalogue with entry requirements per degree, check the official website.
Official source: Official website ↗
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
Know your admission route
Admissions Undergraduate Undergraduate admissions statistics 2024 entering class Change vs. 2019 Admit rate 77% ( −5) Yield rate 22% ( −2) Test scores middle 50% SAT Total 1060–1260 (among 40% of FTFs ) ACT Composite 23-29 (among 2% of FTFs ) For the Class of 2028 (enrolled fall 2023), Wayne State received 15,229 applications and accepted 12,401 (82%). Of those accepted, 2,988 enrolled, a yield rate (the percentage of accepted students who choose to attend the university) of 24%. Wayne State's second term retention rate is 92.1%, with 58.4% going on to graduate within six years. Of the 44% of the incoming freshman class who submitted SAT scores; the middle 50 percent Composite scores were 1000-1199. Of the 4% of enrolled freshmen in 2021 who submitted ACT scores; the middle 50 percent Composite score was between 18 and 29.
Always verify current deadlines on the official website — third-party sites may carry outdated dates.
Official source: Official website ↗
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
Tuition & costs
Tuition fees change each academic year and differ by programme, study level (undergraduate/graduate) and residency status. JournalsWorld does not publish estimated figures that may be outdated.
Check the university's official tuition & fees page for the current schedule applicable to your intake.
Official source: Official website ↗
Research at Wayne State University
According to OpenAlex, Wayne State University has 136,944 indexed research works with 12,454,838 total citations.
Rankings Academic rankings National Forbes 267 U.S. News & World Report 179 Washington Monthly 227 WSJ /College Pulse 289 Global ARWU 601–700 QS 781-790 THE 501–600 In its 2025 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked the university's undergraduate program 179th (tied) among 436 national universities, and 97th among public national universities. ^ "2025-2026 Best National Universities Rankings" .
Most-cited affiliated researchers
- Pablo Cingolani — 13,044 citations
- Le Lily Wang — 13,044 citations
- Melissa Coon — 13,044 citations
- Tung Thanh Nguyen — 13,044 citations
- Luan Wang — 13,044 citations
Source: OpenAlex (most-cited affiliated authors)
Official source: Official website ↗
Who leads Wayne State University?
The current President is Richard Bierschbach.
Richard A. Bierschbach is the 14th president of Wayne State University.
Official source: Official website ↗
Campus & student life
Student life In fall 2024, Wayne State had 23,964 students. Student body composition as of August 17, 2022 Race and ethnicity Total White 55% Black 16% Asian 12% Other 10% Hispanic 6% Foreign national 2% Economic diversity Low-income 48% Affluent 52% McGregor Memorial Conference Center Housing Chatsworth Tower The university provides optional housing for all students in the form of apartments and residence halls. All buildings are equipped with connection to the university computer system, wireless internet, laundry rooms, activity rooms and a 24-hour help desk. There are many housing options within walking distance of the campus that are not affiliated with the university. Current university-owned apartment buildings consist of University Towers and Anthony Wayne Drive Apartments. In the hopes of bringing more residents to campus, Wayne State opened two dormitory-style residence halls in 2002: Yousif B.
For housing options, campus facilities and student services, see the official website.
Official source: Official website ↗
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
Contact Wayne State University
Official website: https://wayne.edu/ ↗
For admissions enquiries, department contacts and phone numbers, use the official contact page.
Official source: Official website ↗
Frequently asked questions
When was Wayne State University founded?
Wayne State University was founded in 1868.
How many students attend?
Approximately 26,241 students.
What are the admission requirements?
Requirements vary by programme. Check the admission section above and verify on the official website.
How much is tuition?
Tuition changes yearly. See the official tuition page for current figures.
Who is the president?
Richard Bierschbach.