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Eastern Michigan University vs Wayne State University

Eastern Michigan University is a public university in Ypsilanti, MI, and Wayne State University is a public university in Detroit, MI. Eastern Michigan University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 80% of applicants against 81% at Wayne State University. Wayne State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,766 a year against $15,407 at Eastern Michigan University. About 58% of students graduate at Wayne State University, compared with 46% at Eastern Michigan University. Ten years after enrolling, Wayne State University alumni earn a median of about $53,493, against $51,793 for Eastern Michigan University.

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI · Public

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Ypsilanti, MI
Detroit, MI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
10,055
15,587
Acceptance rate
80%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.33–3.83
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
920–1170
1060–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
18–27
23–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,407
$12,766
Full cost / yr
$29,640
$27,350
In-state tuition
$16,240
$15,190
Out-of-state tuition
$16,240
$32,037
Application fee
$35
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,250
$11,090
$30k - $48k
$12,863
$10,721
$48k - $75k
$13,748
$12,068
$75k - $110k
$18,243
$14,828
Over $110k
$21,036
$19,862
Outcomes
Graduation rate
46%
58%
Freshman retention
69%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,148
$45,207
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,793
$53,493
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$21,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
46%
First-generation students
34%
38%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Dec 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Eastern Michigan University or Wayne State University harder to get into?
Eastern Michigan University is harder to get into. It admits about 80% of applicants, compared with 81% at Wayne State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Michigan University or Wayne State University?
Wayne State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,766 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $15,407 at Eastern Michigan University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University?
Before aid, Wayne State University costs about $27,350 a year and Eastern Michigan University about $29,640. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Eastern Michigan University or Wayne State University?
Wayne State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,090 there, against about $13,250 at Eastern Michigan University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Eastern Michigan University or Wayne State University?
Wayne State University is the larger of the two, with about 15,587 undergraduates against 10,055 at Eastern Michigan University.
Does Eastern Michigan University or Wayne State University have a better graduation rate?
Wayne State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 58% against 46% at Eastern Michigan University.
Do graduates of Eastern Michigan University or Wayne State University earn more?
Wayne State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,493 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,793 for Eastern Michigan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Eastern Michigan University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wayne State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 920–1170 at Eastern Michigan University and 1060–1270 at Wayne State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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