News Summary
Wayne State University has introduced the ‘Warriors on the Rise’ initiative to enhance enrollment among Detroit Public Schools students. The program guarantees admission to high school juniors maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or above and offers mentorship and support throughout their college journey. This first-of-its-kind initiative reflects a commitment to improve educational outcomes in Detroit, addressing barriers faced by disadvantaged students and aligning with statewide educational goals.
Detroit, MI – Wayne State University has announced a new initiative called the “Warriors on the Rise” program aimed at increasing enrollment from Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). The program guarantees enrollment to eligible high school juniors from DPSCD, with hopes to amplify college attendance and graduation rates among students from the area.
The program specifically targets students achieving a GPA of 3.0 or higher who have completed at least two credits each in English language arts and math. In addition to guaranteed enrollment, participants will receive mentorship, free or discounted tickets to campus events, and additional support to help them navigate their college journey.
DPSCD officials plan to automatically enroll these qualified juniors and will invite their families to informational sessions to discuss the benefits and next steps associated with the program. The initiative reflects a commitment to changing the educational trajectory of students in Detroit, enhancing both individual opportunities and the future of the city.
Despite the ongoing efforts, enrollment from Detroit Public Schools at Wayne State University has consistently remained around 7-8%. However, recent statistics show a progressive increase, with first-time undergraduates from DPS jumping from 192 in fall 2018 to 316 in fall 2024, though it slightly decreased to 294 in fall 2025. The total number of undergraduates from Detroit schools also rose from 1,187 in 2015 to 1,363 in 2025, despite an overall drop in Wayne State’s total undergraduate enrollment from 17,669 in 2015 to 16,390 in 2025.
Graduation rates for DPSCD students enrolled at Wayne State continue to lag compared to the overall student population. Specifically, only 50% of DPSCD students who enrolled in 2019 earned a degree within six years, contrasted with 60% of all first-time, full-time students. This underscores the significant barriers many students from disadvantaged backgrounds face, including lack of college readiness and financial constraints.
The estimated cost of attending Wayne State as an in-state freshman is around $15,388 annually, escalating to about $26,006 when accounting for books and transportation, and up to $33,244 for students living in on-campus dorms. However, approximately 60% of students do not pay tuition thanks to financial aid available from federal, state, and university resources. The Warriors on the Rise program includes sessions on financial aid prior to enrollment to further support participating students.
This initiative is the first of its kind focused specifically on DPSCD students. It takes inspiration from the successful UT San Antonio Direct Admission program, which was led by former WSU president Kimberly Andrews Espy, who left her position two years before her contract ended. Conversations about the Warriors on the Rise program began about a year ago, aimed at replicating successful models from other universities to create a positive college-going culture in the community.
Wayne State University is also promoting broader initiatives in the area, such as the Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge and the Detroit Promise, which provide tuition-free pathways for eligible graduates. The goal of the Warriors on the Rise program is not just to increase enrollment but to ensure that more students complete their degrees, thereby aligning with the Sixty by 30 goal—a statewide effort aimed at having 60% of working-age adults in Michigan obtain a degree or skill certificate by 2030.
Overall, the Warriors on the Rise program is a strategic attempt by Wayne State University to foster a pathway for students in Detroit, addressing the hurdles they face in accessing higher education, and ultimately aiming to empower them as they pursue their academic and career aspirations.
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Additional Resources
- Bridge Detroit: Detroit Schools Wayne State Partnership
- Bridge Michigan: New Wayne State Program Aims to Remove College Barriers for Detroit Students
- Detroit News: Wayne State University Board Approves Kimberly Andrews Espy as its First Female President
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Wayne State University “Warriors on the Rise”
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
