Wayne State welcomes more than 24,000 new and returning students, celebrates the start of the academic year with vibrant Fall Opening

More than 400 student organizations, campus departments, community groups and on-campus vendors participated in FestiFall.

University marks three consecutive years of enrollment growth

Wayne State University welcomed 24,168 students to campus this fall, including approximately 7,000 new first-year, transfer, graduate and professional students. This marks an increase in total enrollment that is on track for the university's third consecutive year of growth, and the strongest total enrollment since 2021. Wayne State's steady enrollment increases have come as many institutions - in Michigan and across the country -experience enrollment declines in an evolving and increasingly competitive higher education landscape.

Faculty, staff and students gathered for the inaugural Warrior Pride 5K Fun Run/Walk.

The university marked the start of the academic year with a full schedule of Fall Opening activities, highlighted by both longstanding campus traditions and new events. The weekend before the first day of classes, Aug. 25, was especially vibrant with near record attendance at Convocation and FestiFall, and a strong turnout at the inaugural Warrior Pride 5K Fun Run/Walk and Wayne State Night at the Detroit City Football Club match.

New students and their families participate in Convocation.

"We're thrilled to welcome all of our newest and returning Warriors," said Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, WSU president. "It's an exciting time to be at Wayne State University. We offer our students academic excellence, college to career experiences and so much more, all in the dynamic heart of Detroit. We're pleased that so many students agree and are eager to take their next steps with us."

In line with the university's commitment to affordability, an estimated 6 of every 10 of this fall's incoming first-year students will attend Wayne State tuition and fee free. The university offers numerous institutional aid programs including the Wayne State Guarantee; the Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge; Warrior, Gold and Green Awards for academic achievement; and donor-funded scholarships. In addition, students benefit from local, state and federal aid programs like the Detroit Promise, Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Pell grants.

Students gathered for the annual Bonfire and Tie Dye Night. Warriors cheered on the Detroit City Football Club at their Aug. 23 match.

"Wayne State works hard to connect with talented, driven prospective students and eliminate financial barriers that foster enrollment success," Dr. Charles Cotton III, vice provost for strategic enrollment, said. "Our continued enrollment growth is the result of a year-round effort by our campus community. Whether it's visiting area high schools, providing meaningful orientation experiences, or clearing up confusion about admissions and financial aid, we are there for prospective students. Once they enroll, our support continues with expert teaching, individual advising, tutoring, community building and a vast array of personalized services."

To support new and returning students, Wayne State has launched Student Success 2.0: Every Warrior Rises to further propel students toward graduation and career success. Building on the commitments of the WSU Prosperity Agenda to accelerate social mobility for its students, the initiative offers personalized academic advising, career coaching, strong start programming, coordinated learning support and holistic resources. Student Success 2.0 complements the College to Career initiative, which connects classroom learning with hands-on, career-relevant experiences. Much of this work happens in the newly renovated Student Success Hub in the David Adamany Undergraduate Library, a one-stop location for students to access services, seek help and connect.

"From day one, Wayne State provides every student with individualized support, resources and experiences to help them succeed," said Dr. Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "Wayne State's personalized, multi-strategy approach to student success ensures that Every Warrior Rises, and the enthusiasm on campus and our strong enrollment numbers are an indication that we are doing a good job supporting students and helping them thrive."