WSU vs. Alfred University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wayne State University in Detroit, MI with Alfred University in Alfred, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than Alfred University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 2,007 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wayne State University is located in Detroit, MI (Large City setting); Alfred University is in Alfred, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Alfred University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wayne State University 14:1; Alfred University 9:1.

WSU vs. Alfred University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU or Alfred University? 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 Alfred University ($14,416 vs. $26,470).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wayne State University are 7.3% lower than at Alfred University ($14,252 vs. $15,380).
• Alfred University is 173.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $26,310 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.5% higher at Alfred University than at Wayne State University (about $9,463 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alfred University than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alfred University students is 139.5% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($31,022 vs. $12,953).

WSU vs. Alfred University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSU or Alfred University? 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 Alfred University and WSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alfred University (1200) is 30 points higher than at WSU (1170).
• Incoming WSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at Alfred University (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 1060/1270; Alfred University 1095/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 23/29; Alfred University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; Alfred University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027; Alfred University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WSU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Alfred University (3.4).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Alfred University (73.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WSU vs. 9.9% at Alfred University.

WSU vs. Alfred University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU and Alfred University? 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).

• Alfred University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Alfred University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $4,742 lower median loan debt than Alfred University graduates ($22,258 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alfred University graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Alfred University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.