Northern Michigan University vs Wayne State University
Northern Michigan University is a public university in Marquette, 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 84% at Northern Michigan University. Wayne State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,766 a year against $14,085 at Northern Michigan University. About 58% of students graduate at Wayne State University, compared with 52% at Northern Michigan University. Ten years after enrolling, Wayne State University alumni earn a median of about $53,493, against $47,107 for Northern Michigan University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Marquette, MI
Detroit, MI
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,556
15,587
Acceptance rate
84%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1190
1060–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
23–29
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,085
$12,766
Full cost / yr
$27,841
$27,350
In-state tuition
$14,277
$15,190
Out-of-state tuition
$19,773
$32,037
Application fee
Not reported
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,697
$11,090
$30k - $48k
$7,185
$10,721
$48k - $75k
$11,051
$12,068
$75k - $110k
$16,324
$14,828
Over $110k
$22,268
$19,862
Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
58%
Freshman retention
78%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,996
$45,207
Median earnings (10 yr)
$47,107
$53,493
Median debt at graduation
$21,474
$21,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
46%
First-generation students
28%
38%
International students
1%
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.
- Is Northern Michigan 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 84% at Northern Michigan 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, Northern 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 $14,085 at Northern 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 Northern Michigan University and Wayne State University?
- Before aid, Wayne State University costs about $27,350 a year and Northern Michigan University about $27,841. 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, Northern Michigan University or Wayne State University?
- Northern Michigan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,697 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, Northern Michigan University or Wayne State University?
- Wayne State University is the larger of the two, with about 15,587 undergraduates against 6,556 at Northern Michigan University.
- Does Northern Michigan University or Wayne State University have a better graduation rate?
- Wayne State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 58% against 52% at Northern Michigan University.
- Do graduates of Northern 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 $47,107 for Northern Michigan University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Northern Michigan University and Wayne State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Northern Michigan University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Wayne State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Northern Michigan University and Wayne State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1190 at Northern Michigan University and 1060–1270 at Wayne State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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