IUPUI vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University Indianapolis in Indianapolis, IN 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 IUPUI based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 22,534 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University Indianapolis is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• Indiana University Indianapolis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University Indianapolis 13:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

IUPUI vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IUPUI 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 Indiana University Indianapolis than WSU ($12,228 vs. $14,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University Indianapolis are 6.6% lower than at Wayne State University ($13,308 vs. $14,252).
• Wayne State University is 41.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than IUPUI (about $4,428 more per year; $15,190.00 vs. $10,762.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.9% higher at IUPUI than at Wayne State University (about $2,854 more per year; $34,891.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wayne State University than at Indiana University Indianapolis (98% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wayne State University students is 16.7% larger than aid received by Indiana University Indianapolis students ($12,953 vs. $11,104).

IUPUI vs. WSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IUPUI 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 IUPUI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 30 points higher than at IUPUI (1140).
• Incoming WSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at IUPUI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Indianapolis 1030/1240; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Indianapolis 21/29; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IUPUI - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: IUPUI May 15, 2027; WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IUPUI students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than IUPUI (76.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.6% at IUPUI vs. 22.4% at WSU.

IUPUI vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IUPUI 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).

• Indiana University Indianapolis's six-year graduation rate (33%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than IUPUI graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $832 lower median loan debt than IUPUI graduates ($22,258 vs. $23,090).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IUPUI graduates ($230 vs. $238).
• More IUPUI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.