Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Wayne State University

Detroit, MI

Total Enrollment

23,553

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

365

365 programs

Full-Time Students

12,486

3,631 part-time

Total FTE

17,759

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

13:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

162
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
6533
Total Recent Graduates

With 23,553 students, Wayne State University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 365 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 12,486 (77.5%)
77.5%
Part-Time Students 3,631 (22.5%)
22.5%
Total Students 16,117

Predominantly full-time students (77.5%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (53.0%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
60.1%
14,160 students
Men
39.9%
9,393 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
54.4%
12,813 students
White
54.4% (12,813)
Black/African American
16.0% (3,766)
Asian
12.0% (2,835)
Hispanic/Latino
7.0% (1,660)
International Students
5.5% (1,306)
Two or More Races
3.7% (878)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (52)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (13)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (60%) across 23,553 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 54% of the student body (12,813 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 60% of students.

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

16,117 students

40% Men, 60% Women
12,486 Full-time 3,631 Part-time
Diversity Index: 66% • Minority Students: 39%

Graduate students

7,436 students

39% Men, 61% Women
4,896 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%

FT Undergraduate

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

FT Degree-Seeking

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

FT First-Time

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

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 Continuing

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

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%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

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

PT Undergraduate

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

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 Continuing

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

PT Transfer

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

PT Continuing

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

PT Non-Degree

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

PT Graduate

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

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

8,637
White
2,814
Black/African American
1,297
Hispanic/Latino
2,203
Asian
347
International
Diversity Index: 66% Minority Students: 39%

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 23,553 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (53.0%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 17,759 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 42% 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
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