Wichita State University
About Wichita State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Wichita State University is a public research university in Wichita, Kansas. It offers strong programs in aerospace engineering, business, and health sciences and has close partnerships with the city's aviation and manufacturing industries.
Founded
1895
Location
Wichita, Kansas
Students
14,156
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
94%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
51%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$9,684
Out-of-state: $19,869
Avg Net Price
$13,194
After financial aid
SAT Average
1092
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$51,532
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Wichita State University accepts the majority of applicants at 94%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1092/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
51% complete their degree within six years
Retention
69.3%
4-Year Grad
25%
6-Year Grad
48%
Teaching Quality
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
64.2%
$/Student
$9.2K
Class Size
Large
The 25% graduation rate is below average, but 69.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,684
In-State
$19,869
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,420
Books & Supplies
$1,250
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,780
After Financial Aid
$13,194
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,734
Receive Grants
30.6%
Take Loans
31.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $21,780/yr for in-state students, including $12,420 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,194. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $19,869.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Wichita State University fund their education.
While in School
30.6%
Get Grants
Free money
31.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$43,391
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$217/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Wichita State University.
Gender
56.2%
Female
44%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
10,780
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,376
Graduates
36.3%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
22.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 56% of the student body. 36.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
10,780
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Wichita State University fields 8 varsity teams with 430 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
American
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
430
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
45% / 55%
194
Men
236
Women
5
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Wichita State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$51,532
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$44K
239 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$45K
126 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$63K
125 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
109 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$68K
79 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$59K
77 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $52K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wichita State University
What is the acceptance rate at Wichita State University?▾
How much does Wichita State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Wichita State University?▾
How much do Wichita State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.