Skip to content

Michigan State University vs Wayne State University

Michigan State University is a public university in East Lansing, MI, and Wayne State University is a public university in Detroit, MI. Wayne State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 81% of applicants against 85% at Michigan State University. Wayne State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,766 a year against $19,680 at Michigan State University. About 81% of students graduate at Michigan State University, compared with 58% at Wayne State University. Ten years after enrolling, Michigan State University alumni earn a median of about $67,253, against $53,493 for Wayne State University.

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
East Lansing, MI
Detroit, MI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
40,922
15,587
Acceptance rate
85%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.74 avg
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1180–1360
1060–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
25–31
23–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,680
$12,766
Full cost / yr
$32,198
$27,350
In-state tuition
$16,458
$15,190
Out-of-state tuition
$43,842
$32,037
Application fee
$65
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,068
$11,090
$30k - $48k
$10,830
$10,721
$48k - $75k
$16,521
$12,068
$75k - $110k
$22,703
$14,828
Over $110k
$28,546
$19,862
Outcomes
Graduation rate
81%
58%
Freshman retention
90%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$55,084
$45,207
Median earnings (10 yr)
$67,253
$53,493
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$21,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
46%
First-generation students
21%
38%
International students
5%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Dec 15
Early action
Nov 1
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 Michigan State University or Wayne State University harder to get into?
Wayne State University is harder to get into. It admits about 81% of applicants, compared with 85% at Michigan 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, Michigan State 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 $19,680 at Michigan State 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 Michigan State University and Wayne State University?
Before aid, Wayne State University costs about $27,350 a year and Michigan State University about $32,198. 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, Michigan State University or Wayne State University?
Michigan State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,068 there, against about $11,090 at Wayne State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Michigan State University or Wayne State University?
Michigan State University is the larger of the two, with about 40,922 undergraduates against 15,587 at Wayne State University.
Does Michigan State University or Wayne State University have a better graduation rate?
Michigan State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 81% against 58% at Wayne State University.
Do graduates of Michigan State University or Wayne State University earn more?
Michigan State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $67,253 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,493 for Wayne State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Michigan State University and Wayne State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Michigan State 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 Michigan State University and Wayne State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1180–1360 at Michigan State 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?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school