Tuition and fees

students reading

How much will this cost?

At Wayne State, tuition costs are based on several factors, including your residency status, number of credit hours, academic program, year in school, and the college or division you’re enrolled in.

To get a clear picture of what your education might cost, explore our Tuition and Fee Schedule for detailed information. You can also use our easy-to-navigate Tuition and Fee Calculator to estimate your individual costs based on your specific plans.

Tuition Equity Program: In-state tuition

Michigan is home to 15 outstanding public universities dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers—and Wayne State University is proud to be one of them.

As part of our commitment to accessibility and affordability, Wayne State offers in-state tuition rates to Michigan residents. If you’ve graduated from a Michigan high school or have U.S. military service status, you may also qualify for in-state tuition. Students from states or provinces that border a Great Lake may be eligible for in-state tuition plus just 10%.

Learn more about qualifying for in-state tuition.

Reduced tuition for senior citizens (excludes law, M.D. and Pharm.D. programs)

Students age 60 or older are entitled to a 75 percent reduction of the regular tuition rate.

  • Students are responsible for the entire amount of the registration, fitness center and student service fees, as well as any additional class-related fees.
  • Eligible students must submit proof of age (e.g., copy of Michigan driver's license or birth certificate) by mailing it to:

    Records and Registration
    5057 Woodward, fifth floor 
    Detroit, MI 48202

    Documents can also be faxed to 313-577-7870 with name and ID number included.

Active Military Student Discount

Wayne State proudly supports students who are serving or have served in the U.S. military. Active duty members of any branch—including Reserves and National Guard—are eligible for a 50% tuition discount if they are serving on or before the first day of classes. This is the most generous tuition benefit of its kind offered by any four-year university in Michigan.

Our Office of Military and Veterans Academic Excellence is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and resources to help you succeed.

Matriculation fee

Students will automatically be billed a $250 matriculation fee at the time tuition and fees are assessed, regardless of orientation program attendance. This fee covers the cost of orientation, graduation and commencement.

For additional information, contact the Student Service Center at 313-577-2100 or email orientation@wayne.edu.

Registration fee

The registration fee is charged to all students every semester. Any student registering after the early priority registration dates (as indicated on the registration calendar) will be charged a $35 late-registration fee if completed before the start of classes and $70 if completed after the start of classes. Please refer to the Registration Calendar for specific tuition cancellation dates.

Course material fees

Courses listed as having special fees require certain payments in addition to tuition. The fee may be canceled when the course is officially dropped within the tuition cancellation period. Contact the department offering the course for more information.

Student service fee

The student service fee is primarily used to maintain, upgrade and replace student computing and technology resources on campus. A small portion is also used to fund student activities on campus and enhance programs directed toward improving on-campus activities, including athletics. The student service fee is assessed to all students. Please refer to the tuition and fee schedule for the current term's rate.

Class ranking

Tuition is based in part on division status, which is determined by the number of credits an undergraduate has completed. 

Lower division

  • Freshman: 0 - 28.99 credits, inclusive
  • Sophomore: 29 - 55.99 credits, inclusive

Upper division

  • Junior: 56 - 87.99 credits, inclusive
  • Senior: 88 credits and above