Wayne State University's Board of Governors today approved a tuition increase of 4.5% for both undergraduate and graduate students. The increase is part of a $682 million general fund operating budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23 approved by the board. The budget is based on the assumption that Wayne State will receive a 2.5% increase in appropriations from the state.

The annual average tuition and mandatory fees increase for full-time, undergraduate, lower level, resident students will be $632.14. An increase in financial aid to help offset the tuition increase was also approved by the board, and will bring the annual institutionally funded financial aid to nearly $98 million. The increase in financial aid will assure that many students do not experience out-of-pocket costs to attend Wayne State.

"The board really struggled with this decision,” said Board Chair Mark Gaffney. “As the governing body of the university, we are keenly aware of the financial burdens many of our students face. However, faced with ongoing economic challenges from our lingering pandemic and changing national demographics that foreshadow a shrinking pool of traditional college students, the board felt that this increase was necessary to ensure Wayne State continues to provide the excellent experience our students expect.”

Wayne State’s tuition and mandatory fees average over the last three years remains among the lowest of the 15 public universities in Michigan.

“Despite this increase, Wayne State remains one of the best investments one can make in their future,” said Wayne State President M. Roy Wilson. “When it comes to improving our students’ social mobility, we are proud to be one of the top-performing schools in the nation — and the best in Michigan — at helping economically disadvantaged students succeed and graduate.”