Michigan Tech vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Michigan Technological University in Houghton, 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 Michigan Tech based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 7,403 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Michigan Tech vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan Tech 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 Wayne State University than Michigan Tech ($14,416 vs. $16,879).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Michigan Technological University are 8.4% lower than at Wayne State University ($13,050 vs. $14,252).
• Michigan Technological University is 25.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $3,933 more per year; $19,123.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.2% higher at Michigan Tech than at Wayne State University (about $10,951 more per year; $42,988.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Michigan Technological University than at Wayne State University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Michigan Technological University students is 53.6% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($19,898 vs. $12,953).

Michigan Tech vs. WSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Michigan Tech 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 Michigan Tech.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan Technological University (1240) is 70 points higher than at WSU (1170).
• Incoming Michigan Tech students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at WSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan Technological University 1130/1350; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan Technological University 25/31; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan Tech - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan Tech students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at WSU (3.42).
• Michigan Tech has a higher acceptance rate (92.4%) than WSU (81.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Michigan Tech vs. 22.4% at WSU.

Michigan Tech vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan Tech 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).

• Michigan Technological University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Michigan Technological University earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than WSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,000 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $4,642 lower median loan debt than Michigan Tech graduates ($22,258 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan Tech graduates ($230 vs. $278).
• More Michigan Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.