Wayne State University is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Wayne State University (WSU) is 75.32%. This means that 75 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is Wayne State University Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as WSU is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
Wayne State University Admission Requirements
WSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at WSU is 3.2. It means that WSU is selective in terms of the GPA. (Please note that most schools report a weighted GPA, which is out of 4.0. However, some schools may use unweighted GPAs. For exact information, contact the school admission staff).
With an average GPA of 3.2, WSU requires you to be above average in your class. You need to score more A's than B's in your classes to have good chances of admission. Additionally, you must take AP or IB courses to demonstrate your academic ability. More specifically, your AP and IB courses must be related to the area of your selected course of study. For example, if you are planning a career in engineering or IT, courses related to mathematics, calculus, and physics will help you.
If your GPA is less than 3.2 and higher than 2.9 then you need higher SAT or ACT scores to compensate. You need a minimum of 2.8 GPA, to secure admission at WSU. Below this, the chances of admission will be very slim.
Can I Get Into WSU Without SAT Or ACT?: Wayne State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Wayne State University (WSU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
Wayne State University Average SAT Score: 1147
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Wayne State University is 1147 on the 1600 SAT scale.
Wayne State University SAT Competitiveness

This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1147 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1260 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Wayne State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1040, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to WSU. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
Wayne State University SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
SAT Math | 570 | 510 | 630 |
SAT Reading | 580 | 530 | 630 |
SAT Composite | 1147 | 1040 | 1260 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1040 then you are below most of the admitted students at WSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1260 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Wayne State University (WSU) with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Wayne State University (WSU) are good but the admission staff at WSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Wayne State University (WSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at WSU is 25.
Wayne State University ACT Competitiveness

This score makes Wayne State University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 25 on the ACT.
Wayne State University ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|
ACT Math | 24 | 20 | 27 |
ACT English | 25 | 21 | 29 |
ACT Composite | 25 | 21 | 28 |
Can I get into Wayne State University with a 28 ACT?
With a 28 ACT Score, your chances of admission at Wayne State University are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
SAT Vs ACT: Which score to send
You can compare your scores in SAT and ACT to the average SAT and ACT Scores of the admitted students at Wayne State University. More importantly, comparing your scores with the 25th and 75th percentiles of SAT and ACT scores will give you a better understanding of where you stand. If your score on the SAT is near the 75th percentile SAT score, then you must send your SAT score. If your ACT score is near the 75th percentile, then you must send your ACT Score.
But there is more, if both of your scores are in the same range, then it is better to send an ACT Score, as in the case of ACT, you can control which score to send as opposed to SAT.
Here is how: When sending the ACT Score, you can decide which score you want to send to the colleges. You could take 8 ACT tests, and only send your highest one. This is not the case with the SAT, where your score report mentions all of your attempts.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 25.WSU Profile
Name: Wayne State University (WSU)
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
How much does a degree from WSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Wayne State University is USD: 25942. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Wayne State University is USD: 14055
How can I get a scholarship?
43.98% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 39.18 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to WSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Wayne State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist WSU as your choice in the form.
How much a WSU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the WSU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 53493. An average WSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595

Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Wayne State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower than the requirements of Wayne State University, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of South Alabama | University of South Alabama, AL | 1118 | 23 |
Arkansas State University | Arkansas State University, AR | 1119 | 22 |
University of Central Arkansas | University of Central Arkansas, AR | 1118 | 22 |
Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1132 | 25 |
University of La Verne | University of La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
William Jessup University | William Jessup University, CA | 1130 | NA |
Southern California Institute of Architecture | Southern California Institute of Architecture, CA | 1100 | NA |
University of Northern Colorado | University of Northern Colorado, CO | 1106 | 24 |
Western Connecticut State University | Western Connecticut State University, CT | 1126 | 24 |
Lynn University | Lynn University, FL | 1126 | 24 |

Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Wayne State University. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive for Wayne State University, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, CO | 1150 | 24 |
Fort Lewis College | Fort Lewis College, CO | 1147 | 22 |
Regis University | Regis University, CO | 1149 | 24 |
Western Colorado University | Western Colorado University, CO | 1154 | 25 |
Florida International University | Florida International University, FL | 1154 | 24 |

More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Wayne State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
School | Location | SAT | ACT |
---|---|---|---|
Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1218 | 26 |
University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
Samford University | Samford University, AL | 1227 | 26 |
Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1182 | 24 |
John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1218 | 26 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Anthropology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Applied Mathematics
- Area Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Biology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Full list of All degree programs offered by Wayne State University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.