Wayne State College is located in Wayne, Nebraska, the high plains in the center of the continental United States. Wayne is a small town of approximately 5,500 people. Major metropolitan areas are within an hours' drive of Wayne. Wayne is a community that values the academic environment and freedom from the troubles of larger cities.

The College was established as the Nebraska Normal College at Wayne in 1891, and was founded and operated by Professor James M. Pile until his death in 1909. In that year, the State of Nebraska purchased the property, buildings, and equipment and renamed it the State Normal College. In 1921 it was renamed the State Normal School and Teacher's College. In 1949, it was renamed the Nebraska State Teachers College at Wayne. The last name change was in 1963, when the State renamed it to its current name of Wayne State College.

The College's basic mission is twofold: it strives to develop students of a wide range of academic abilities through quality teaching and support, and it strives to assist with the development of its service region through the delivery of public service programs and activities. The College is primarily an undergraduate institution, offering a comprehensive curriculum with equal emphasis on the arts and sciences, business and teacher education. Master's degrees are offered in education and business.