Wayne State vs Eastern Michigan University

Wayne State University and Eastern Michigan University, both esteemed institutions in Michigan, offer distinct educational experiences. Wayne State, located in the heart of Detroit, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, including renowned medical and engineering schools. Eastern Michigan, situated in Ypsilanti, is known for its strong teacher education and nursing programs, as well as its vibrant campus life. With different acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes, these universities cater to diverse student needs and aspirations. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.
Eastern Michigan University logo

Eastern Michigan University

Wayne State University logo

Wayne State University

Overview

Location Ypsilanti, Michigan Detroit, Michigan
Campus setting Suburb: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 69.0% 81.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 84.6% 63.3%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $35

Graduate: $45
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $50
SAT range 930 - 1180 1030 - 1260
ACT range 18 - 25 22 - 28
Students submitting SAT score 55.0% 48.0%
Students submitting ACT score 8.0% 7.0%
Total number of applicants 17,506 15,181
Total number of admissions given out 14,811 9,603
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,312 2,732
Yield rate 15.6% 28.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $31,022
In state: $32,193

Out of state: $48,163
Average net price $16,311 $15,710
Tuition $13,950
In state: $12,376

Out of state: $28,346
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $5,450

Meal plan: $5,724
Room/dormitory: $7,463

Meal plan: $4,280
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

95.0%
Average amount $9,182
98.0%
Average amount $10,091
Students receiving federal student loan 48.0%
Average amount $5,579
38.0%
Average amount $4,807
Students taking out private loans 3.0%
Average amount $12,079
3.0%
Average amount $11,147

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 12,730
Men 38.9% Women 61.1%
16,839
Men 40.6% Women 59.4%
Graduate students 2,610
Men 31.9% Women 68.1%
8,080
Men 40.0% Women 60.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 14.2% 1.8%
International students 2.7% 4.4%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 3,290 3,192
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Michigan Ohio Illinois Indiana Florida Michigan Ohio Illinois New York Washington

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Social Sciences
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Education
Students to faculty ratio 15:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 48.2% 55.8%
Dropout rate 48.4% 38.5%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,034
  • Year 2: $67,101
  • Year 3: $78,068
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,313
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $74,479
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,154
  • Year 2: $73,949
  • Year 3: $70,947
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,705
  • Year 2: $59,425
  • Year 3: $68,573
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $61,218
  • Year 3: $67,436
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,660
  • Year 2: $63,997
  • Year 3: $65,596
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,000
  • Year 2: $62,409
  • Year 3: $64,700
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,397
  • Year 2: $56,415
  • Year 3: $63,891
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,555
  • Year 2: $54,192
  • Year 3: $63,676
Science, Technology and Society (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,309
  • Year 2: $58,673
  • Year 3: $62,126
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,713
  • Year 2: $118,922
  • Year 3: $120,470
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $111,568
  • Year 2: $105,465
  • Year 3: $119,721
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,273
  • Year 2: $105,037
  • Year 3: $108,496
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,257
  • Year 2: $90,079
  • Year 3: $91,709
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,278
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $90,813
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,864
  • Year 2: $79,473
  • Year 3: $89,687
Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,116
  • Year 2: $72,510
  • Year 3: $88,775
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $73,198
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $86,111
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,849
  • Year 2: $75,921
  • Year 3: $85,185
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,406
  • Year 2: $76,460
  • Year 3: $79,412

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences in location between Wayne State University (WSU) and Eastern Michigan University (EMU)?

    Wayne State University is located in Detroit, Michigan, offering a vibrant urban campus experience with access to the city's cultural attractions, job market, and diverse communities. Eastern Michigan University is situated in Ypsilanti, Michigan, providing a more suburban environment with a close-knit community feel and easier access to outdoor recreational activities.

  • How do the tuition costs compare between WSU and EMU?

    Tuition costs vary between the two universities. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state students. However, tuition and fees can fluctuate, so it's best to check the official websites of both Wayne State University and Eastern Michigan University for the most up-to-date and specific cost information, including any potential scholarships or financial aid you may be eligible for.

  • What are the strengths of the academic programs at WSU versus EMU?

    Wayne State University is known for its strong programs in medicine, law, engineering, and the arts, benefiting from its location in Detroit. Eastern Michigan University excels in education, aviation, business, and health sciences, with a focus on practical, hands-on learning experiences.

  • How does the campus environment differ between Wayne State and Eastern Michigan?

    Wayne State University has a large, urban campus with a diverse student body and a wide range of activities and events. Eastern Michigan University offers a more traditional college campus experience with a strong sense of community and a focus on student life, including Greek life and athletics.

  • What are the opportunities for research and internships at WSU and EMU?

    Both universities provide research and internship opportunities. Wayne State University, due to its location in Detroit, offers extensive internship opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, automotive, and the arts. Eastern Michigan University also provides internship opportunities, particularly in education, business, and aviation, often with regional companies and organizations.

  • How do the student populations compare at WSU and EMU?

    Wayne State University has a larger and more diverse student population, reflecting the demographics of Detroit. Eastern Michigan University has a smaller student body, fostering a closer community feel. Both universities attract a mix of traditional and non-traditional students.

  • What are the athletic programs like at Wayne State and Eastern Michigan?

    Eastern Michigan University is a Division I school with a more prominent athletic program, particularly in football and basketball, offering a more traditional college sports experience. Wayne State University is a Division II school, with a focus on a variety of sports, providing opportunities for student athletes.

  • Which university is better for students seeking a strong career network?

    Both universities offer strong career networks. Wayne State University's location in Detroit provides access to a vast network of professionals in various industries. Eastern Michigan University has a strong alumni network, particularly in education and business, and focuses on career preparation and placement services.

  • How does the cost of living compare near WSU and EMU?

    The cost of living in Detroit, near Wayne State University, can vary depending on the neighborhood, but generally, it is more affordable than many other major cities. The cost of living in Ypsilanti, near Eastern Michigan University, is typically more affordable than Detroit, especially for housing and transportation.

  • Which university is a better fit for students who prefer a more traditional college experience?

    Eastern Michigan University generally offers a more traditional college experience with a strong sense of community, campus activities, and a focus on student life. Wayne State University, with its urban setting, provides a different experience, emphasizing academic pursuits and access to city resources.

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