Wayne State is a world-renowned urban research university and leader in STEM fields, with nearly 350 areas of study. As an international student, you can pursue a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree alongside 24,000 students. More than 1,300 international students from 80 countries attend Wayne State, and our global alumni network of 300,000 reaches around the world.

WSU is ranked 70th in the nation among public research institutions for research expenditures totaling more than $244 million. We are one of only two universities in the country to hold the National Institutes of Health's highly competitive grants, BEST (Broadening Experience in Scientific Training) and BUILD (Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity). WSU also holds the Carnegie Foundation's highest ranking for research and community engagement.

Academic excellence and pioneering research are a primary reason why students choose to attend Wayne State. Our College of Engineering offers 50+ engineering and computer science degree and certification programs, including the first electric-drive vehicle program and the first alternative energy technology master's degree program in the nation. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences can choose from 100+ degree programs including biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, neuroscience, physics and astronomy, and the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences prepares students for career paths in 11 different disciplines including pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, physical or occupational therapy, forensic investigation and clinical laboratory sciences.

Many of our 13 schools and colleges offer programs that are nationally ranked. Regardless of the Wayne State program you choose, you will have a solid foundation to launch a successful career.

Costs for attending

Tuition in most graduate academic programs ranges from $27,000 to $32,000 for the full year. Students also pay between $20,000 and $22,000 per academic year for living expenses such as housing, food and utilities.

A limited number of graduate assistantships are offered to students enrolled in a master's or doctoral program at Wayne State University. They provide a salary and a tuition scholarship.

Application fee waiver

The Graduate School application fee has been waived for the spring/summer 2024 and fall 2024 terms. 

Wayne State excellence

Top 1.5% of universities worldwide - Center for World University Rankings

5 engineering departments ranked in Top 100 - U.S. News and World Report

Top 26% of undergraduate computer science programs nationwide in 2024 - U.S. News & World Report 

Top Michigan university with a Carnegie R1 classification (the highest level of research activity) for social mobility - 2024 U.S. News & World Report

No. 2 medical institution for research in Michigan - U.S. News and World Report

Best nursing graduate, master's and bachelor's programs 2022-2023 - U. S. News and World Report

Best business school/program 2022 - U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review

Ranked 109th nationally among public universities in 2024 - U.S. News and World Report

Affiliated with 100+ research institutions worldwide

Why Detroit?

Since 1868, Wayne State University has been serving our community in Detroit, Michigan, through education, research, and innovation. Some of the world's most prestigious companies including Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Stellantis, Sakthi Automotive, Quicken Loans, Ally Financial and DTE Energy are just down the street from our campus, making it easy for our students to strengthen their resumes through internships, Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

With industry leaders right at our doorstep, Wayne State students have unparalleled access to career connections. Eight out of 10 engineering students complete at least one internship prior to graduation. In the Mike Ilitch School of Business, 800+ employers partner with the Office of Career Planning and Placement, and the GMAT is waived for qualified applicants. 

More than 100,000 people attend exhibits, lectures and performances every year through the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, making this college the cultural gateway of Wayne State University. We connect students to the community and to Detroit's museums, galleries, libraries, theatres and other venues where students show their artwork, present their research or perform on stage or in concert.