Already admitted
Congratulations! You are the proud parent of a Wayne State Warrior! Now what? The following information will help guide you (and your student) to a successful start at Wayne State University.
Next Steps for Admitted Freshmen
Financial aid
The United States government takes the stance that parents have the primary responsibility to pay for their dependent children’s education. However, there are ways for your student to receive financial assistance to pay for his or her college education. Students apply for this assistance by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application should be filed for each academic year the student will be enrolling in classes. Wayne State’s priority deadline for filing the FAFSA for incoming students is Feb. 15.
Wayne State is committed to making education available for all its students. Our tuition rate offers tremendous value — it’s the lowest of any research university in the state. Each year, Wayne State awards more than $275 million in financial aid to our students, and 79 percent of our undergraduate students receive some form of assistance. No matter what your circumstances, we can help you meet the financial challenges of higher education today. Find out more information on Wayne State’s financial aid program.
There are four types of financial aid a student can receive:
- Grants: Gift assistance received on the basis of financial need. This type of aid does not require repayment.
- Scholarships: Gift assistance received on the basis of academic achievement or other special abilities. This type of aid does not require repayment. Financial need may be a factor on some awards.
- Loans: Money that must be repaid in the future, usually following graduation or when you cease to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Need- and non-need-based loans are available.
- Employment: A work-study program of on- or off-campus jobs that involves a direct exchange of money (at least the federal hourly minimum wage) for work performed. Work-study is awarded on the basis of financial need.
There are several external Web sites that also can assist you in designing your financial plan. Utilizing College Board and/or ACT will give you additional information.
Scholarships
Wayne State awards several types of scholarships from merit-based to need-based sources. Scholarships are given as gifts to assist in paying for college and students are not required to repay them. However, many scholarships will have ongoing requirements a student must fulfill in order to continue to receive the money awarded. Be mindful that colleges and universities vary in their scholarship deadlines and have different requirements. Start this process early in order to prepare and take the time you and your student need to research and fill out scholarship applications. Our scholarship application is available each year on Nov. 1 and the deadline for general university-wide scholarships is Jan. 31 of the student’s senior year (and for current students thereafter).
Learn more about the different types of scholarships Wayne State has to offer incoming freshmen, transfer and current students.
Tuition and fees
Let’s talk about cost. Wayne State’s tuition ranks in the middle of the 15 public universities in Michigan. So how much does it cost for a freshman to attend Wayne State? Look at the tuition rate chart to view cost per semester. To be considered attending at full-time status, your student will need to take at least 12 credit hours each semester – that’s about three or four classes. Most of our current students take between 13 and 15 credit hours per semester to keep up with the academic pace.
We have offices on campus that can help you with questions about paying your bill. In general, a student’s tuition and fee bill must be paid by the last business day before the beginning of each semester in order to be in good standing (financially) with the university. Review the Registrar’s general information and policies regarding Wayne State tuition and fees and billing.
Parent programs
Wayne State offers a couple of different programs that allow parents of admitted students an opportunity to come to campus and meet with our faculty, staff and students.
Parent Information Sessions
These sessions are generally offered in the winter semester Jan. – March and are designed for parents of admitted freshmen. Our students and staff will answer questions like “How much does Wayne State cost?” and “How does WSU help to keep my student safe on campus?” and “What can Wayne State do to help my student succeed academically?” among others.
Parent Orientation
The orientation program for parents is a full-day program over the summer, usually during the time your new Warrior also attends orientation. Offered through the Dean of Students Office, Parent Orientation will delve more deeply into the offices and resources Wayne State offers to its students and how you can help your student with a successful transition to college. Dean of Students Office staff will discuss the different ways that you can be involved in your student’s busy college life.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (also known as FERPA) affords students certain rights concerning their student educational records. When a student reaches the age of 18 or begins attending a post-secondary institution regardless of age, FERPA transfers the rights to the student. This limits the student educational record information that may be released to third parties (including parents and guardians) without the student’s permission unless it is considered “directory information”. Wayne State University fully complies with FERPA.
At New Student Orientation and Parent Orientation, FERPA is discussed in detail and students are given the opportunity to fill out a FERPA waiver allowing a designated person to have access to their educational record.
For more information regarding FERPA and how Wayne State complies with this law.
Campus resources
There are many offices on campus designed with student services in mind. Whether students are looking for a tutor to assist with Organic Chemistry or need help finding a job, Wayne State’s professional staff can support students’ personal, professional and academic goals.
Academic Success Center
University Advising
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Career Services
Campus safety
Living on campus
Students with disabilities
About the Cultural Center and Midtown
Visit with us
Schedule a guided tour of campus or come down and visit with us during one of our on-campus programs. Our tour guides will fill you in on all of the great things Wayne State has been doing and will be doing in the future while they discuss their own experience as a student.
Walking tours of campus are offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. weekdays. Before or after the tour, you and your student will have the opportunity to speak with an undergraduate admission counselor regarding the application process.
After the tour, grab lunch or a snack at any one of our on-campus eateries or a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Explore Barnes and Noble and pick up your very own Wayne State t-shirt, sweatshirt or bumper sticker. Make your reservation up to one month in advance. Get directions to campus, parking information and a map of campus.
Our admission counselors travel to high schools and events in the Detroit area and beyond. Check our recruitment schedule for the time and date of their next stop!