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Wayne State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1060 to 1260

ACT Range23 to 29

Average GPA3.40

Acceptance Rate77.9%

Wayne State’s 77.9% acceptance rate means admission is realistic for many students, but the score range still gives you a smart target. Since 40% submit SAT scores, aim for the upper half of the 1060-1260 range, with about a 1260 SAT or 29 ACT putting you in a stronger position.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Wayne State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Wayne State University enrolls 16,173 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Wayne State has an 83% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 58%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15.6:1.

Location

Detroit, MI

Undergrad Enrollment16,173

Freshman Retention83%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio15.6:1

Graduation Rate58%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Wayne State?

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Key Wayne State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

August 1

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Wayne State, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year for a possible retake. Because the Regular Decision deadline is August 1, fall senior-year retakes will be too late, so June or July is likely your last practical retake window.

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What you'll actually pay

At Wayne State, in-state tuition is $14,274 and out-of-state tuition is $32,765. About 71% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $5,570. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.

In-State Tuition$14,274

Out-of-State Tuition$32,765

Room and Board$12,530

Average Merit Award$5,570

Application Fee$25

Students on Aid71%

Average Aid Package$17,857

Average Debt at Grad$25,975

For out-of-state students, Wayne State University tuition is $32,765, while in-state tuition is $14,274; room and board adds about $12,530. Financial aid is common, with 71% of students receiving aid and an average package of $17,857. Merit awards average $5,570, which can help reduce the listed price for qualifying students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $25,975.