University of Detroit Mercy vs Wayne State University

This page compares University of Detroit Mercy and Wayne State University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

In the U.S. News rankings, Wayne State University is ranked #71 compared to #134 — a gap of 63 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

There is a meaningful difference in admissions competitiveness: Wayne State University has a median LSAT of 164 compared to 156, a gap of 8 points. This suggests applicants to Wayne State University face a more competitive admissions pool.

Wayne State University is significantly more selective, with an acceptance rate of 24.8% compared to University of Detroit Mercy's 41.4%.

Both schools are located in Michigan — University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit and Wayne State University in Detroit — meaning graduates often compete in the same regional legal market.

On cost, University of Detroit Mercy has lower tuition at - per year compared to $38,861. Combined with employment rates of 90.5% (Detroit Mercy) and 94.2% (Wayne State), prospective students should weigh the cost-to-outcome ratio carefully.