News Summary
Wayne State University has introduced the ‘Warriors on the Rise’ program to enhance student enrollment from Detroit Public Schools Community District. This initiative guarantees enrollment for high school juniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, addressing the educational needs of local students. The program aims to boost confidence in pursuing higher education and bridge the gap in graduation rates among DPSCD students. Inspired by direct admissions models, it connects families with scholarship opportunities and emphasizes community support for college readiness.
Detroit – Wayne State University (WSU) has recently introduced a program entitled “Warriors on the Rise” aimed at increasing the enrollment of students from the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD). This initiative guarantees enrollment for qualified high school juniors who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and complete at least two credits each in English language arts and math.
The launch of this program, announced in September, is part of WSU’s broader objective to create more educational opportunities for students in Detroit. Currently, the percentage of undergraduates from Detroit public schools at WSU has remained around 7-8% for several years.
In the past few years, the enrollment of Detroit public school students at WSU has fluctuated. The number increased from 192 in the fall of 2018 to 316 in the fall of 2024, but saw a slight decline to 294 students in the fall of 2025. The overall number of undergraduates from DPSCD schools grew from 1,187 in 2015 to 1,363 in 2025, paralleling a decline in total undergraduate enrollment from 17,669 in 2015 to 16,390 in 2025. By the fall of 2025, WSU had a total enrollment of 24,168 students.
The graduation rates for DPSCD students enrolled at WSU are lagging behind the overall figures for the university. Approximately 50% of DPSCD students who enrolled in 2019 earned a degree by 2024, compared to 60% of all first-time full-time students. This program aims to boost confidence among students about pursuing higher education, potentially changing their educational trajectory and benefiting the city.
Tuition costs for a first-year in-state undergraduate student at WSU stand at $15,388, which can rise to $26,006 with additional expenses for those living at home, and up to $33,244 for students living on campus. Approximately 60% of WSU students receive financial aid that covers tuition. Part of the “Warriors on the Rise” program includes sessions on financial aid before enrollment, helping students navigate the complexities of funding their education.
The program draws inspiration from the direct admissions model used at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where former WSU president Kimberly Andrews Espy was previously involved. Despite leaving WSU before her contract expired, she was instrumental in conceptualizing this initiative. The program represents the first direct admissions approach specifically tailored for DPSCD students.
Experts in education have acknowledged that clarity and certainty regarding college admissions and financial aid play a critical role in increasing college enrollment rates. The “Warriors on the Rise” program is designed to connect students and their families with various scholarship opportunities, aligning with Michigan’s objective to have 60% of adults with a skill certificate or college degree by the year 2030.
Other initiatives at WSU, such as the Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge and Detroit Promise, also focus on providing free education opportunities to Detroit residents and high school graduates. The success of “Warriors on the Rise” heavily relies on community support, which is vital for cultivating a culture of college readiness and ambition among the youth of Detroit.
Educational professionals have expressed optimism regarding the potential of this program to enhance college readiness and overall enrollment among DPSCD students, emphasizing the importance of addressing the various barriers that Detroit students face in accessing higher education. The program aims to significantly impact the local educational landscape and foster future generations of college graduates in the area.
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Additional Resources
- WRIF: New Wayne State Program Opens Doors for Detroit High Schoolers
- Detroit News: Superbug Surge
- DBusiness: Techtown Detroit Unveils New Brand
- Detroit Free Press: Wayne State University Health Sciences Building
- WXYZ: Wayne State University President Resigns
- Wikipedia: Wayne State University
- Google Search: Detroit Public Schools Community District
- Google Scholar: Wayne State University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Google News: Detroit Education Initiatives
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.
