Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Wayne State University

Detroit, MI

Total Enrollment

23,803

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

357

357 programs

Full-Time Students

12,486

3,306 part-time

Total FTE

19,583

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

13:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

143
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
6566
Total Recent Graduates

With 23,803 students, Wayne State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 357 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 12,486 (79.1%)
79.1%
Part-Time Students 3,306 (20.9%)
20.9%
Total Students 15,792

Predominantly full-time students (79.1%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (52.5%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
59.8%
14,246 students
Men
40.2%
9,557 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
53.2%
12,662 students
White
53.2% (12,662)
Black/African American
16.9% (4,019)
Asian
12.1% (2,879)
Hispanic/Latino
7.3% (1,732)
International Students
5.5% (1,313)
Two or More Races
4.2% (997)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (44)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.0% (10)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 23,803 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 53% of the student body (12,662 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

16,012 students

41% Men, 59% Women
12,706 Full-time 3,306 Part-time
Diversity Index: 66% • Minority Students: 40%

Graduate students

7,436 students

39% Men, 61% Women
5,132 Full-time 2,540 Part-time
Diversity Index: 64% • Minority Students: 26%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

17,382
All full-time students
6,951 men, 10,431 women
Diversity: 66%

All Full-Time

17,838
All full-time students
7,226 men, 10,612 women
Diversity: 67%

FT Undergraduate

12,486
Full-time undergraduate
5,006 men, 7,480 women
Diversity: 66%

FT Undergraduate

12,706
Full-time undergraduate
5,202 men, 7,504 women
Diversity: 67%

FT Degree-Seeking

12,464
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
5,000 men, 7,464 women
Diversity: 66%

FT Degree-Seeking

12,655
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
5,179 men, 7,476 women
Diversity: 67%

FT First-Time

2,888
Full-time first-time students
1,125 men, 1,763 women
Diversity: 70%

FT First-Time

2,990
Full-time first-time students
1,258 men, 1,732 women
Diversity: 71%

FT Continuing

9,665
Full-time continuing students
3,921 men, 5,744 women
Diversity: 65%

FT Continuing

9,576
Full-time continuing students
3,875 men, 5,701 women
Diversity: 64%

FT Transfer

1,124
Full-time transfer students
460 men, 664 women
Diversity: 59%

FT Transfer

995
Full-time transfer students
416 men, 579 women
Diversity: 62%

FT Continuing

8,670
Full-time other continuing
3,505 men, 5,165 women
Diversity: 65%

FT Continuing

8,452
Full-time other continuing
3,415 men, 5,037 women
Diversity: 65%

FT Non-Degree

51
Full-time non-degree seeking
23 men, 28 women
Diversity: 67%

FT Non-Degree

22
Full-time non-degree seeking
6 men, 16 women
Diversity: 57%

FT Graduate

4,896
Full-time graduate students
1,945 men, 2,951 women
Diversity: 65%

FT Graduate

5,132
Full-time graduate students
2,024 men, 3,108 women
Diversity: 67%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

5,965
All part-time students
2,331 men, 3,634 women
Diversity: 63%

All Part-Time

6,171
All part-time students
2,442 men, 3,729 women
Diversity: 62%

PT Undergraduate

3,306
Part-time undergraduate
1,365 men, 1,941 women
Diversity: 64%

PT Undergraduate

3,631
Part-time undergraduate
1,515 men, 2,116 women
Diversity: 64%

PT Degree-Seeking

2,932
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,251 men, 1,681 women
Diversity: 63%

PT Degree-Seeking

3,212
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,378 men, 1,834 women
Diversity: 62%

PT First-Time

100
Part-time first-time students
44 men, 56 women
Diversity: 75%

PT First-Time

95
Part-time first-time students
36 men, 59 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Continuing

3,112
Part-time continuing students
1,334 men, 1,778 women
Diversity: 62%

PT Continuing

2,837
Part-time continuing students
1,215 men, 1,622 women
Diversity: 63%

PT Transfer

477
Part-time transfer students
160 men, 317 women
Diversity: 62%

PT Transfer

364
Part-time transfer students
138 men, 226 women
Diversity: 61%

PT Continuing

2,635
Part-time other continuing
1,174 men, 1,461 women
Diversity: 61%

PT Continuing

2,473
Part-time other continuing
1,077 men, 1,396 women
Diversity: 63%

PT Non-Degree

419
Part-time non-degree seeking
137 men, 282 women
Diversity: 71%

PT Non-Degree

374
Part-time non-degree seeking
114 men, 260 women
Diversity: 69%

PT Graduate

2,540
Part-time graduate students
927 men, 1,613 women
Diversity: 60%

PT Graduate

2,659
Part-time graduate students
966 men, 1,693 women
Diversity: 61%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

8,396
White
2,911
Black/African American
1,263
Hispanic/Latino
2,232
Asian
378
International
Diversity Index: 66% Minority Students: 40%

Graduate students

4,176
White
952
Black/African American
363
Hispanic/Latino
632
Asian
959
International
Diversity Index: 64% Minority Students: 26%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Wayne State University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 23,803 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (52.5%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 19,583 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 43% taking some online courses.
Academic Environment: Excellent student-faculty ratio (13:1) ensures personalized attention and mentorship.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

42 W. Warren Ave.

Detroit, MI 48202

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
0 of 3
+ Add school+ Add school+ Add school
Compare Now