Case Study: Wayne State University boosts enrollment and student success with AdmitHub

Record-Breaking Enrollment Wayne State University Attracts Underserved Students with AI

Wayne State University, an urban-serving public university in Detroit, was working to improve outcomes for first-generation, low-income, and minority students after graduation rates had fallen as low as 26%. The school needed a better way to guide students through complex admissions, enrollment, and financial aid processes, and its traditional communication methods, along with a reactive support center, weren’t meeting the needs of Gen Z learners.

To address this, Wayne State partnered with AdmitHub to launch an SMS-based AI chatbot called “W the Warrior” that provides 24/7 answers, proactive deadline reminders, and connections to staff when needed. With AdmitHub’s platform, Wayne State saw record enrollment gains and meaningful progress in student success, including a class size increase of 14.5%, 18% more first-generation students, 13% more Pell-eligible students, and a graduation rate that nearly doubled from 26% to 47%.

Wayne State University

Dawn Medley

Associate Vice President