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Wayne State College

#1569 in US ranking Wayne, NE
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$23,476
Tuition & fees
$8,171
Avg. aid
$7,887
Receiving aid
97%

Outcomes

Graduation rate
52%
Median salary
$44,590
1 yr after graduation

What is the history of Wayne State College?

Wayne State College is a public college in Wayne, Nebraska, whose roots lie in teacher education. It began as the privately operated Wayne Normal College in 1891. Nebraska acquired the school in 1910, making it part of the state's system of teacher-training institutions.

The institution later became Wayne State Teachers College and, as its academic offerings broadened beyond education, Wayne State College. Teacher preparation remains part of its identity, but students can now pursue programs across business, the sciences, health-related fields, humanities and other disciplines. Wayne State College is a separate institution from Wayne State University in Detroit.

What are the faculties and departments at Wayne State College?

Wayne State College organizes its academic programs into four schools: Arts and Humanities; Business and Technology; Education and Behavioral Sciences; and Science, Health, and Criminal Justice. It offers undergraduate degrees and graduate programs, with education remaining a significant area of study.

Examples of undergraduate fields include business administration, computer and information sciences, biology, psychology, criminal justice, communication, music and teacher education. The school structure matters when comparing programs: admission to the college does not necessarily complete every requirement for a major. Teacher candidates, for example, should examine the separate requirements for clinical placements and educator certification. Applicants should use the current academic catalog to check a program's degree level, required courses, delivery format and any additional admission steps.

What is the location of Wayne State College?

Wayne State College is in Wayne, a small city in northeastern Nebraska. Its setting is different from that of a metropolitan campus: much of students' daily activity is centered on the college and the surrounding community.

Prospective students should consider transportation when planning internships, trips home or off-campus work. First-year students may register or park a car on campus, although parking remains subject to college rules. Eppley Airfield in Omaha is a regional air-travel option; reaching Wayne from the airport requires ground transportation. Students considering a commute should assess the route and winter travel conditions rather than assuming that public transit will cover their needs.

What is the mission and vision of Wayne State College?

Wayne State College's stated purpose centers on accessible public higher education, student learning and service to Nebraska and the surrounding region. Its academic scope reflects both its teacher-training origins and its later development as a broader undergraduate and graduate institution.

A mission statement describes institutional priorities, not a measurable outcome for every student. Applicants can evaluate how those priorities appear in the program they want: for example, whether its curriculum includes field experiences, undergraduate research, professional preparation or opportunities to work with the local community. Wayne State is a public institution, not a religiously affiliated college.

Wayne State College Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

Wayne State College

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Public

Setting type

Town: Distant

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

1,000 - 4,999

School type

Four-year college

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1910

Wayne State College Accreditation

Wayne State College is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.

Wayne State College Programs and Degrees

iconCertificate of less than 1 year
iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree
iconPost-master's certificate

Data last updated on November 2, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.