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Michigan State University vs Wayne State University

Odds, test scores, cost, aid and graduation rates, side by side from each school's own Common Data Set. Add more schools

Getting in

Acceptance rate83.2%83.6%
Early decision rateNo EDNo ED
SAT middle 50%1100–13101060–1290
ACT middle 50%25–3123–28
Applicant reports on our site10410

Cost and aid

Tuition$16,916 in-state$14,188 in-state
Tuition, out-of-state$44,300$32,498
Food and housing$12,928$12,844
Sticker price per year$57,568$47,640
Average need-based grant$13,950$15,186
Average % of need met61%62.1%

Outcomes

First-year retention91%82%
6-year graduation rate81%59.7%
Undergraduates41,41516,390

Best value in each row is highlighted. Sticker price uses out-of-state tuition for public universities and leaves out books, travel and aid. "—" means the school left the item blank in its Common Data Set.

Michigan State University or Wayne State University?

Is Michigan State University harder to get into than Wayne State University?

They are about equally selective: Michigan State University admitted 83.2% of first-year applicants (2025-26) and Wayne State University admitted 83.6% (2025-26).

What SAT scores do Michigan State University and Wayne State University students have?

The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1100–1310 at Michigan State University and 1060–1290 at Wayne State University.

Which is cheaper, Michigan State University or Wayne State University?

Before aid, Wayne State University costs about $47,640 a year in tuition, fees, food and housing, against $57,568 at Michigan State University (out-of-state tuition for public universities). The average need-based grant is $13,950 at Michigan State University and $15,186 at Wayne State University.

Does Michigan State University or Wayne State University have a higher graduation rate?

81% of Michigan State University students graduate within six years, compared with 59.7% at Wayne State University.

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