Highlights for this year include an undergraduate population increased by 4.5 percent; new master's in teaching and two new undergraduate programs added; and new facilities opening soon.
Wayne State Grows on Strength of Programs and Facilities
Wayne State welcomed the fourth largest freshman class in recent history this fall, with 780 new students choosing the College for their studies. The College also brought in more than 200 transfer students from around the region. Wayne State’s total undergraduate population grew by 4.5 percent. Overall, when factoring in enrollment in graduate education and dual credit, Wayne State grew by 1.1 percent, making it the eighth straight year of enrollment growth.
The College has ensured the strength of its enrollment through marquee programs that directly serve the region such as the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP), Rural Law Opportunities Program (RLOP), dynamic teacher education programs, and the Career Scholars workforce development program, which has grown to more than 300 students. Wayne State’s continued growth parallels the efforts made by the College to maintain affordability, add new academic programs in response to workforce demands, and continuously improve the Wayne State experience through the renovation and addition of living and learning facilities.
WSC Keeps Costs Manageable
Wayne State remains the lowest cost bachelor’s degree in our region and continues to refine the ways the College keeps costs manageable for students and their families. And at Wayne State, all first-time freshmen who apply for scholarships are guaranteed an award. Students continue to benefit from our Tuition Guarantee, which ensures that Pell-qualified first-time freshmen or incoming transfer students can attend Wayne State tuition-free. This means families whose annual adjusted gross income as reported on the FAFSA is $70,000 or less pay no tuition at Wayne State.
New: Master of Arts in Teaching Program
One of the many ways Wayne State serves the state of Nebraska is through robust teacher education programs that place teachers in schools from the panhandle through Omaha and beyond. With teacher shortages across the state, Wayne State has created the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program graduate degree. This new program was specifically designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are looking to transition into a fulfilling career in education through Nebraska Department of Education’s Alternative Program Teaching Permit pathways.
Our MAT program offers a streamlined, alternative certification route through the Nebraska Department of Education, providing a clear path to initial teacher certification. This innovative program is designed for those with a B.A. or B.S. in English who aspire to become secondary English teachers, accommodating working professionals and those balancing multiple commitments. The College will be expanding the program into math and science subject areas in the future.
New: One Health Studies Program
In addition to our commitment to expanding our graduate programs, the College has added the One Health Studies Program this fall. This program is intended for undergraduate students who care about health, have broad academic interests, and a passion for learning. One Health Studies is a rigorous major combining an intentionally interdisciplinary core of diverse health, environmental, and social science foundations. A choice of four concentrations prepares students for a variety of professions or post-graduate/professional studies: Ecological Health, Health Analysis, Health Behavior and Promotion, and Social Health and Well-being.
New: Biomedical Science Program
In addition to One Health, the College also added a Biomedical Science Program, designed for students preparing for further study in the fields of medicine, dentistry, nursing, physical or occupational therapy, and other allied health science fields. Biomedical scientists specialize in the research, identification, and treatment of human diseases. Proficiency and confidence with scientific tools, gained from Wayne State’s outstanding lab facilities, are important as graduates will work with computers, automated equipment, microscopes, and other advanced laboratory instruments.
New Residence Hall Opens in January
Wayne State will open its first new residence hall in January since the opening of Bowen Hall in 1966. Stearns Hall will be named for the late WSC President Sheila Stearns, who passed away in May. The four-story hall will house 276 new and returning students and feature 168 beds in suite-style rooms and 108 beds in traditional rooms. The main lobby will feature a full kitchen, televisions, a lounge area with a pool table and a front desk reception area. The second-floor lobby will feature a variety of exercise equipment.
New Athletic and Recreation Facility Coming in 2025
The Athletic and Recreation Construction (ARC) project has seen some significant progress since construction began in the summer of 2023. The $30-million project has an expected construction timeline of 19-20 months with planned completion by January 2025. Installation of the new indoor air-supported structure (dome) exterior fabric is planned to begin in September with the inside track surface, artificial turf field, and netting system being completed in October.
The ARC project will provide the campus community with versatile indoor activity space, which includes a 300-meter track, 85+ yards of artificial turf, golf practice area, and batting cages; men’s and women’s cross country, and track & field locker rooms; new, larger general student weight room with new equipment; increased cardiovascular equipment workout space; two-lane walking/jogging track in the REC Center; increased number of volleyball, basketball, etc. courts in the REC from 3 to 4 (includes brand new flooring system); and enhanced student study and lounge space in the newly constructed alley space between the REC Center and Rice Auditorium.
Wayne State’s newest recruiting cycle has begun and the College invites students and their families to set up a campus visit or apply today at www.wsc.edu/apply. You can learn more about Wayne State by visiting www.explorewaynestatecollege.com where you can hear directly from Wayne State students.