WSU vs. Canisius

Comparable Facts

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

Wayne State University is larger than Canisius based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 2,451 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wayne State University is located in Detroit, MI (Large City setting); Canisius University is in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting).
• Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Canisius University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wayne State University 14:1; Canisius University 11:1.

WSU vs. Canisius Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU or Canisius? 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 Canisius ($14,416 vs. $19,666).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Canisius University are 4.9% lower than at Wayne State University ($13,560 vs. $14,252).
• Canisius University is 127.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $19,310 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.7% higher at Canisius than at Wayne State University (about $2,463 more per year; $34,500.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Canisius University than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Canisius University students is 92.8% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($24,972 vs. $12,953).

WSU vs. Canisius Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Canisius University (1190) is 20 points higher than at WSU (1170).
• Incoming WSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Canisius).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 1060/1270; Canisius University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 23/29; Canisius University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; Canisius - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Canisius students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Canisius (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WSU vs. 13.1% at Canisius.

WSU vs. Canisius Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU and Canisius? 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).

• Canisius University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Canisius graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $2,492 lower median loan debt than Canisius graduates ($22,258 vs. $24,750).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Canisius graduates ($230 vs. $255).
• More Canisius graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.