Eastern vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY with Wayne State University in Detroit, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than Eastern based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 15,673 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, KY (Distant Town setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• Eastern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Kentucky University 17:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

Eastern vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern or WSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Eastern Kentucky University than WSU ($12,279 vs. $14,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Kentucky University are 13.9% lower than at Wayne State University ($12,268 vs. $14,252).
• Wayne State University is 47.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern (about $4,870 more per year; $15,190.00 vs. $10,320.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.9% higher at WSU than at Eastern Kentucky University (about $10,807 more per year; $32,037.00 vs. $21,230.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Kentucky University as at Wayne State University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wayne State University students is 12.9% larger than aid received by Eastern Kentucky University students ($12,953 vs. $11,468).

Eastern vs. WSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern or WSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WSU and Eastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 190 points higher than at Eastern (980).
• Incoming WSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Eastern).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 880/1080; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 19/25; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Eastern Aug 1, 2027; WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WSU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Eastern (3.39).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Eastern (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Eastern vs. 22.4% at WSU.

Eastern vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern and WSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Eastern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $13,100 more per year than Eastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $1,437 lower median loan debt than Eastern graduates ($22,258 vs. $23,695).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern graduates ($230 vs. $245).
• More Eastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 38%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.