WSU vs. Saint Francis University

Comparable Facts

Compare Wayne State University in Detroit, MI with Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than Saint Francis University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 2,963 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wayne State University is located in Detroit, MI (Large City setting); Saint Francis University is in Loretto, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Francis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wayne State University 14:1; Saint Francis University 16:1.

WSU vs. Saint Francis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU or Saint Francis 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 Saint Francis University ($14,416 vs. $28,326).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Francis University are 5.3% lower than at Wayne State University ($13,500 vs. $14,252).
• Saint Francis University is 189.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $28,810 more per year; $44,000.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.3% higher at Saint Francis University than at Wayne State University (about $11,963 more per year; $44,000.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Francis University than at Wayne State University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Francis University students is 144% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($31,610 vs. $12,953).

WSU vs. Saint Francis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSU or Saint Francis 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 Saint Francis University and WSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 30 points higher than at Saint Francis University (1140).
• Incoming WSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Saint Francis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 1060/1270; Saint Francis University 1050/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wayne State University 23/29; Saint Francis University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; Saint Francis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saint Francis University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Saint Francis University (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WSU vs. 19.6% at Saint Francis University.

WSU vs. Saint Francis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU and Saint Francis 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).

• Saint Francis University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Saint Francis University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than WSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $51,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State University graduates have a $4,742 lower median loan debt than Saint Francis University graduates ($22,258 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Francis University graduates ($230 vs. $279).
• More Saint Francis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.