Wayne State welcomes nearly 7,000 new students, including one of its largest incoming undergraduate classes

Students gathered at the annual FestiFall event Aug. 25, where they connected with fellow Warriors in celebration of the start of the academic year.

Wayne State University will welcome more than 6,900 new first-year, transfer, graduate and professional students to campus this fall, an increase of 5.5% in new students from last year.

Following one of the largest incoming undergraduate classes in its history, fall 2024 undergraduate enrollment continues to rise. Approximately 4,700 new undergraduate students started fall semester classes on August 26 - including nearly 3,100 first-year, first time in college students, a 2% increase over last year's class of first-year students.

President Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D.

The university's projected overall enrollment also is up, thanks in part to a 10% increase in master's student enrollment, driven by a nearly 30% increase in master's students in the Mike Ilitch School of Business and a 40% increase in master's students in the Law School. The number of credit hours for all students also increased 3% compared to last year, the first year of WSU's block tuition.

"It's an exciting time to be at Wayne State University, in the heart of Midtown Detroit," said President Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D. "Students are eager to take their next steps, both academically and personally - and they want to take them here, at Wayne State, guided by our outstanding faculty and supported by our dedicated staff. We are thrilled to welcome both our newest and returning Warriors."

Director of Financial Aid Cathy Kay

An estimated six of every 10 of this fall's incoming first-year students will attend Wayne State tuition and fee free, thanks to a combination of financial aid programs including the Wayne State Guarantee, the Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge and the Detroit Promise.

"We have seen an increase in our initial disbursement of the federal Pell Grant fund compared to the same time last year and are optimistic this trend will continue," said Cathy Kay, director of financial aid. "Despite its rocky rollout, we believe the changes in the 2024-25 FAFSA have contributed to this increase. We have also seen an increase in funding for our students from the Michigan Achievement Scholarship."

A growing number of students are also calling Wayne State home. More than 2,850 Warriors will live on campus, including about one-third of first-year students, continuing an upward trend of students eager to live and learn in Detroit.

This fall, Wayne State welcomes approximately 4,700 new undergraduate students - including nearly 3,100 first-year students, a 2% increase over last year's class of first-year students.

Residents will be supported through the university's First Year Residential Experience (FYRE), which provides campus residents access to student success resources where they live. The expanded program - which, for the first time, includes all first-year students - provides students with tutoring, advising, peer-to-peer mentors, social events to help them build campus connections and other resources in their resident halls.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D.

"Evidence shows that students who live on campus have higher rates of retention, persistence, bachelor's degree attainment and graduate school entry, so this is a key component of our multi-strategy approach to support student success," said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D. "Other strategies, including removing financial barriers and providing additional forms of academic support, are examples of the interventions needed to thrive in classes and prepare for bright futures. Our rising enrollment numbers are an indication that we are doing a good job of providing support for students from all communities."

Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Charles Cotton III, Ed.D.

Charles Cotton III, Ed.D., vice provost for strategic enrollment, said, "Our strong enrollment numbers are the result of a year-round effort by our campus community. Whether it's visiting area high schools, providing world-class orientation experiences, or answering questions about admissions and financial aid, we are there for prospective students. Once they enroll, our support continues with advising, tutoring, community building and a vast array of support services."

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