Home » Law Schools » Rankings and Profiles »
Wayne Law
At Wayne Law, they produce creative, motivated leaders who shape modern society through law, business, and education contributions. The community of thinkers comes from all walks of life and is prepared to face essential issues with thoughtful and creative solutions. The school's founders set this rich heritage, which continues to this day.
Wayne State University was founded in 1868 by five physicians committed to advancing health education and care in Detroit. Today, their main campus in Midtown Detroit is home to nearly 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all over the United States and 70 countries.
When you become a Wayne State Warrior, you join a community of passionate people about Detroit and its comeback. Here, you have unique opportunities and can be a part of something special.
Contents
History
Detroit City Law School opened in 1927 as part of the Colleges of the City of Detroit. It was initially structured as a part-time evening program, and its first class graduated with a bachelor of law degree in 1928. In 1956, it joined the University of Michigan and Michigan State University as one of Michigan's three major public universities. It was renamed Wayne State University at that time. The Law School initially operated out of Old Main but relocated to more extensive facilities in the High School of Commerce building in 1936. In 1937, Arthur F. Neef became dean, and full American Bar Association accreditation was granted in 1939. The Law School returned to the main campus area in 1943, moving into a large house at 5063 Cass Ave. Another house at 5229 Cass Ave. served as the Law School's home from 1946-1957.
Admissions
Statistics
Admissions Stats | ||
Class of: | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 154 - 159 - 161 | 157 - 161 - 164 |
25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.4 - 3.65 - 3.8 | 3.41 - 3.75 - 3.87 |
Acceptance rate | 36.6% | 32.9% |
Applications received | 871 | 940 |
Acceptances | 319 | 309 |
Matriculants | 62 | 70 |
The 1L class at Wayne State University has a median LSAT of 161. The 25th percentile LSAT is 157, and the 75th percentile LSAT is 164. The median GPA is 3.75. The 25th percentile GPA is 3.41, and the 75th percentile GPA is 3.87.
Application Process
The Admissions Office typically takes 4-6 weeks to review the application materials and make a decision. If you are a current high school senior, you will be considered a first-year student. This also applies to high school graduates who have yet to earn college credit and GED holders who have yet to earn college credit.
Incoming first-year students can apply for fall 2023 using the https://slate.wayne.edu/apply website. Use the code WSU2023 to receive a waiver on your application fee. Review updated admissions changes, and contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions if you have questions about the application process.
Tranferring
Transferring to Wayne State University can be a great option if you want to change the scenery or complete your undergraduate degree. To transfer, you must have 24 transferable credits and have a minimum 2.5 GPA from all previous colleges attended. You may be admitted with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better if you have an associate degree. You can now apply and receive a waiver on your application fee using the code WSU2023. Be sure to review the updated admissions changes before applying, and contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions if you have any questions. To read a fantastic article about transferring, click here.
International
International students are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. International students may also be people who have graduated from a secondary institution and completed pre-university educational curricula in their own country.
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions has updated its admissions changes. If you have any questions about the application process, please get in touch with https://wayne.edu/admissions/undergrad/contact/.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition at Wayne Law university is affordable and easy to navigate. The Registrar's office provides information on how your class schedule affects your tuition bill. They work closely with Admissions, Financial Aid, and the Bursar's office to ensure that your tuition is assessed correctly and to refer you to campus resources if any issues arise.
Cost of Attendance
2022-23 Law student Fall/Winter estimated costs | ||
Living with parent | Living away from home | |
Books & supplies | $2,204 | $2,204 |
Room & board estimate | $2,484 | $15,588 |
Miscellaneous | $1,970 | $2,690 |
Transportation | $3,312 | 3,312 |
Estimated loan fee | $196 | 196 |
Tuition & fees ESTIMATE - Michigan resident | $33,873 | 33,873 |
Tuition & fees ESTIMATE - Non-resident | $36,942 | 36,942 |
Total ESTIMATED costs - Michigan resident | $40,039 | 57,863 |
Total ESTIMATED costs - Non-resident | $47,108 | 60,932 |
The tuition for Wayne State University will be based on your residency, undergraduate class ranking or graduate level, academic program, and school or college. These tools can help you decide, but all tuition rates are subject to change. You can use the tuition calculator to get an estimate of your tuition, and you can also find the tuition and fee chart here. The cost of attendance is also available on the Office of Student Financial Aid website.
The cost of attendance (budget) amounts are estimated averages of costs for an academic year. The purpose of the budget is to determine financial aid eligibility. The cost of attendance is not a bill. Instead, it estimates tuition, fees, books and supplies, living expenses, transportation costs, and modest personal expenses. Actual tuition and fee rates can be found on the WSU Registrar website. Your actual costs will depend upon your choices of housing and other expenses. They will encourage you to develop a personal budget based on your annual costs.
Types of Aid
- Grants: Grants are awarded to students based on their financial needs and do not require repayment. File the annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early, and your eligibility will be reviewed. File the FAFSA online at StudentAid.gov/fafsa.
- Tuition pledge programs: Wayne State University offers tuition pledge programs to make college more affordable. These programs offer zero out-of-pocket expenses for tuition and standard fees for up to four years of full-time study. Three different pledge programs are available: Wayne Access Tuition Pledge, Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge, and Born to Be a Warrior Tuition Pledge.
- Scholarships: Scholarships at WSU are based on a variety of criteria, including merit. They award scholarships to new undergraduate students when they apply for admission. Additionally, their students often qualify for scholarships from external organizations. They encourage students to pursue all scholarship opportunities available to them.
Students who receive scholarships, stipends, or fellowships may also receive other federal and state aid as long as the total amount awarded does not exceed the student's estimated cost of attendance.
- Work-study, Loan, and Other types of aid: A federal work-study award is a financial aid award offered to students who demonstrate financial need. These students may work part-time to help pay for their education expenses. You may qualify for specialized types of financial aid based on a variety of factors.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
JD graduates from Wayne State University who work in the private sector make a median salary of $115,000. If they go into the private sector, they can expect to make $66,000. Most law graduates from Wayne State University go directly to work for law firms, while a small percentage clerk for judges. A tiny minority of graduates go into public interest. Almost all Wayne State University graduates pass the on their first try.
Still, consensus holds that Wayne Law dominates the Michigan legal market, especially Detroit (few University of Michigan graduates stay in-state). Students who do well and network aggressively still have a good chance of finding solid legal jobs in-state, but prospective applicants should not entertain rosy expectations.
Academics
Wayne State's curriculum is mostly what you would expect - Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Legal Research and Writing, Property, Torts, and a class on "The Regulatory State." The only required upper-level courses are Civil Procedure B, Professional Responsibility, and Legal Profession. Otherwise, 2Ls and 3Ls choose from a wide range of electives. Wayne Law also encourages its students to gain practical experience. Moot Court and the Student Trial Advocacy Program offer simulated courtroom experiences. Seven clinics cover areas of law as diverse as Asylum and Immigration Law and Disability Law. Students can also complete internships for course credit, and over forty student organizations serve various interests. The school publishes The Journal of Law in Society, a write-on complement to The Wayne Law Review. Wayne State recently began construction on the 10,000-square-foot Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights. He participated in the Intellectual Property Law Institute with the University of Windsor (Canada) and the University of Detroit Mercy. In addition to its full-time curriculum, Wayne State also offers a flexible part-time program that has ranked in the U.S. News and World Report top 25. The school also offers a 24-credit hour Master of Laws program and five joint J.D./Masters degrees.
Student Body
At Wayne State University Law School, they are committed to empowering their diverse student body to thrive. They know that a healthy student culture requires more than just academic support, which is why we have over 30 student organizations that host social events, sponsor renowned speakers, volunteer in the community, and collaborate on projects of public interest.
Careers
The Office of Career and Professional Development provides resources and support to students and alums to help them achieve their career goals. They offer personalized counseling, access to recruitment programs, networking opportunities, mock interviews, and more. Their advisors help students identify their ideal career path, launch a successful job search and develop a rewarding career. Wayne Law students and graduates are heavily recruited by employers, including law firms, corporations, judges, government agencies, and public interest organizations. The Office of Career and Professional Development is available to assist during this time of remote learning.
Pro bono program
The Wayne Law student voluntary pro bono program encourages law students to use their professional training to benefit under-served populations and the community. This program is designed to help graduates excel in the law and provide service to others.
Quality of Life
Detroit is not typically considered one of the best places to live in the United States. This is because its high crime rates and the recent recession have hit Michigan's most significant city especially hard. However, Detroit does offer a lot of variety for a city its size, with cultural centers like Wayne State and museums and art galleries galore. Detroit also has a rich musical history that continues to draw performers from all over the country. The cost of living in Detroit is relatively low, which is a plus for those looking for big-city amenities without the big-city price tag.
Housing
The Office of Housing and Residential Life is responsible for providing housing and services to students at Wayne State University. They are committed to creating a positive living experience for all of their residents, and they are here to help you in any way we can. If you need more information, please check out their Forms and Policies page, or contact them directly using the Staff Directory. Their goal is to create a community where students can learn and grow in a safe and comfortable environment.
Residence Halls
Residence Halls are places where first-year students can live while they attend school. The halls are furnished and include common spaces for students to interact. Each community has a live-in Resident Advisor who provides support, guidance, and programming events for residents. However, the halls do not have private kitchens, but shared kitchen spaces are available throughout the building.
Apartments
Furnished and unfurnished apartment options are both available at Wayne State. Furnished apartments include kitchens or kitchenettes, while unfurnished apartments do not. Each community has a live-in Resident Advisor who provides support, guidance, and programming events for residents. Students must meet age or class standing requirements to live in an apartment.
Synopsis
As a Warrior at Wayne State University, you'll have access to unique opportunities in Detroit, a city experiencing a resurgence. Their main campus is in the heart of Detroit, and you'll be able to connect with Warriors from all backgrounds and explore everything the city has to offer. Plus, you'll get all the benefits of a major university. Detroit is an exciting place to be. With its strong community spirit and diverse population, Detroit provides an ideal environment for collaboration and creativity. You will always be interested in Detroit, as there is always something new to explore. So if you are looking for a city that will help you reach your full potential, look no further than Detroit.
Contact Information
Wayne State University Law School
Admissions Office
42 W. Warren Ave., 1st Floor Lobby
Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: (313) 577-2100
Email: studentservice@wayne.edu
Summary
Established | 1927 |
Location | Detroit, MI |
Dean | Richard A. Bierschbach |
2022 US News Ranking | 58th |
LSAT Median Score | 161 |
GPA Median Score | 3.75 |
Bar Passage Rate | 88% (2022) |
Employment Rate | 66% (2022) |
Cost | Resident tuition: $1,146.09 per credit hour Non-resident tuition: $1,257.30 per credit hour |
Average Debt | $60,850 |
Application Deadline | August 1, 2023 |
Forum and Discussion
Wayne Law Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, MI
https://wayne.edu/
Rank #58
LSD Law
LSAC Guide
How to Learn to Do Well on a Law School Exam
Success in Law School - A Unique Perspective
The Guide to Law School Loans
Guide to Fee Waivers