Why Wayne State?

Wayne State University -- Michigan's only urban research university-- is known for academic and research excellence, success across a diverse student body, and meaningful engagement in its urban community. Its mission is to create and advance knowledge, prepare a diverse student body to thrive, and positively impact local and global communities.

Wayne State's engineering curriculum leads the nation in game-changing fields like electric-drive vehicle technology and alternative energy. Here, you'll learn from faculty experts who engineer the physical world at all levels - from nanoscale biomedical innovations to colossal manufacturing plants.

Classes are available on our main campus in Midtown Detroit and on satellite campuses throughout southeast Michigan. You can choose to work and commute for classes or you can live on campus for a more traditional college experience.

Diversity

Wayne State University is one of the 50 largest public universities in the United States and is the most diverse student body in Michigan. It was founded in 1868 and is located in Detroit, Michigan's largest city. Nationally recognized for research, Wayne State is home to nearly 25,000 students, including nearly 2,500 international students from 70 countries. The College of Engineering has more than 130 full-time faculty, who are internationally renowned inventors, researchers, professors, and pioneers.

As of fall 2022, the college enrolled 110 international undergraduate students and 363 international graduate students from 33 countries -- all of whom can seek educational, cultural and social support and assistance from the university's Office of International Students and Scholars as well as language assistance from the English Language Institute, the only intensive English language program in the metropolitan Detroit area.

Living in Detroit

Wayne State University is in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, the 11th largest metropolis in the United States and home of the auto industry.  Living on or around Wayne State's campus puts you within walking distance to Detroit cultural attractions such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Historical Museum, Fox Theatre and the Michigan Science Center. Wayne State students also benefit from being right down the street from many major U.S. employers -- many of which employ students in internship, co-op, part- or full-time positions. Within the city there are also numerous resources and organizations designed to assist international communities and students such as Global Detroit and Welcome Mat Detroit.

It's a great time to be at Wayne State and in the Motor City. Explore Detroit today!

Visit Wayne State's Office of Economic Development for information on living in Midtown Detroit, transit and mobility options, and campus public safety.

Living on campus

The College of Engineering and the Office of Housing & Residential Life have created a brand new Engineering Living-Learning Community (ELLC). The ELLC consists of up to 70 students, majoring in engineering, technology and computer science, all living together on a dedicated floor in Ghafari Hall.

Benefits for students living in the ELLC:

  • Have a tailor-made opportunity to form effective peer study groups.
  • Receive dedicated mentoring from upperclassmen Residential Academic Mentors.
  • Interact closely with College of Engineering faculty members, on-site academic advisors, student organization leaders and engineering upperclassmen.
  • Use a specialized computing facility in Ghafari Hall, supported by College of Engineering technical staff, with access to all of the college's advanced engineering software.
  • Enjoy social outings with an engineering flair, such as commercial and industrial facility tours and the Detroit Auto Show.

If you have already completed your application, you may update your preferences with the Wayne State Office of Housing & Residential Life. Hurry, this opportunity is first-come, first-served!

Additional on-campus housing options

In addition to the ELLC, the Office of Housing & Residential Life offers a host of other residence hall and apartment options on campus.