Become a Warrior
Ready for the kind of hands-on, real-life experience that's only possible at a top-ranked urban research university? A vibrant community of scholars stands ready to help you soar.
Pursue your passion
When you apply, you'll be asked to choose a major from the hundreds of degree programs available at Wayne State. If you're undecided, select an exploratory track, which allows you to check out your options while staying on course for graduation.
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First-year
You are considered a first-year student if:
- You are a current high school senior who will go to college after graduation. This includes individuals who complete college courses during high school as dual enrollment or Early Middle College students.
- You are a high school graduate who has not previously enrolled at a college or university
- You are a GED holder who has not earned credit at a college or university
Incoming first-year students are welcome to apply for fall 2025 using either the
University application or Common Application
Use the code WSU2025 to receive a waiver on your application fee. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions if you have questions about the application process.
Decisions can be expected 4-6 weeks after all application requirements are received and processed by Undergraduate Admissions. Check for it on your application status page, using the email address and password created for your applicant profile page.
Learn more about the application process.
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Transfer
You are considered a transfer student if:
- You have attended a postsecondary institution after earning your high school diploma
- You have graduated from another college or university and wish to earn a second bachelor's degree
Individuals who are current high school seniors in dual enrollment or early middle college programs should apply as a first-year student.
General admission requirements for transfer applicants include:
- A minimum of 24 transferable credits of previous college work and a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA from all previously attended higher education institutions
- An associate degree and a combined cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better
- Applicants with fewer than 24 transferable college-level credits will be considered for a holistic review which may include submission of the high school record and/or other supplemental materials as requested
Use the code WSU2025 to receive a waiver on your application fee. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions if you have questions about the application process.
Decisions can be expected 3 weeks after all application requirements are received and processed by Undergraduate Admissions. Check for it on your application status page, using the email address and password created for your applicant profile page.
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Postbac
If you have already completed a degree and are interested in earning college credit without intending to use it toward another degree — or if you want to get into a graduate program but need to raise your GPA first — this type of admission is for you.
Post-bachelor students are welcome to apply for 2025.
Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions if you have questions about the application process.
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Graduate
Take the first step in joining a top-ranked urban research university. If you're applying to a graduate program, you must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution or a degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree from a college or university of government-recognized standing.
Incoming students are welcome to apply now for Spring/Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or Winter 2025:
Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions if you have questions about the application process.
College of Nursing applicants
Beginning Fall 2024, applicants who are interested in receiving a PhD, DNP, MSN, or graduate certificate from Michigan’s premiere research institution, please apply through the AACN-operated universal application system NursingCAS. Applicants are not required to submit a separate WSU application.
College of Nursing NursingCAS application
For Winter 2024 MSN and Graduate Certificate programs, please use the general university application.
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International
You should apply as an international student if you are not a permanent resident or citizen of the United States. You should also apply under this status if you have graduated from a secondary institution and completed pre-university educational curricula in your own country.
- International students can apply for 2025 using the undergraduate admission application.
- If you are a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, or if you are a U.S. Citizen living in Canada, apply for 2025 using the undergraduate admissions application.
Graduate students
- Those interested in pursuing a graduate degree, visit the Graduate School website and apply.
Learn more about the application process. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions if you have questions.
Returning to WSU?
If you have previously enrolled at Wayne State University, you do not need to complete another Undergraduate Admission application. Please visit the Returning Students webpage for more information.
Reapplying for admission
If you are reapplying for admission and have applied within the last year, you are only required to submit the Undergraduate Admission application. Your transcripts and application fee do not need to be resubmitted. If it has been longer than a year since you last applied to Wayne State, you will need to submit the application fee.
Application fee
There is no fee for undergraduate guest students.
Students may pay the required $25 nonrefundable application fee by credit card online or by check mailed to: Wayne State University, P.O. Box 02759, Detroit, MI 48202.
The WSU Office of Undergraduate Admissions accepts fee waivers for the application fee for first-year and transfer students. The applying student’s high school guidance counselor must sign the university fee waiver prior to application submission at WSU. Transfer students may submit the NACAC Transfer Fee Waiver and must have attestation from a financial aid officer or staff member from their current or most recently attended college/university. Application fee waivers are subject to the approval of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and are granted based upon evidence of financial need.
Please note that fee waivers are not accepted for postbaccalaureate or non-matriculating students.
The following documents may also be used to waive the application fee:
- ACT or SAT verification that a fee waiver was used to register for the test. These waivers are available only from a high school guidance office.
- Request for Admission Application Fee Waiver form provided by NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling).