Lake Superior State University vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI 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 Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Superior State University 13:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

Lake Superior State University vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Superior State University 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 Lake Superior State University than WSU ($12,339 vs. $14,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 19.6% lower than at Wayne State University ($11,459 vs. $14,252).
• Wayne State University is 2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $300 more per year; $15,190.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 115.2% higher at WSU than at Lake Superior State University (about $17,147 more per year; $32,037.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wayne State University than at Lake Superior State University (98% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Superior State University students is 13% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($14,632 vs. $12,953).

Lake Superior State University vs. WSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Superior State University 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 Lake Superior State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 60 points higher than at Lake Superior State University (1110).
• Incoming WSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Lake Superior State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 1000/1225; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 19/26; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Superior State University - Not reported; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WSU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Lake Superior State University vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Superior State University 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).

• Lake Superior State University's six-year graduation rate (35%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $992 lower median loan debt than Lake Superior State University graduates ($22,258 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lake Superior State University graduates ($230 vs. $240).
• More Lake Superior State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.