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Wichita State University

Wichita, KS·Public·10,493 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 10,493 students.

95%
Accept
10,493
Students
$13,776
Net Price
51%
Grad Rate
$45,400
Earnings
10 yr
$14,700
Debt

About This School

Wichita State University is a public institution located in Wichita, Kansas with approximately 10,493 undergraduate students enrolled. Wichita State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 95%. The average net price after financial aid is $13,776 per year. The graduation rate is 51%, and the typical graduate earns $45,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Wichita State University (WSU) is a public research university in Wichita, Kansas, United States. It is governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate degree programs in more than 200 areas of study in nine colleges. The university's graduate school offers more than 50 master's degrees in more than 100 areas and a specialist in education degree and 13 doctoral degrees. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $13,776/year average net price and only $14,700 in median debt at graduation, WSU is genuinely affordable, and its R2 research status with 60+ undergraduate programs gives students real academic options in a mid-sized city. The concern worth flagging is the 51% graduation rate and 68% freshman retention — meaning roughly one in three first-year students doesn't return for sophomore year, which signals that students who need strong academic support or campus engagement may struggle to finish. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious, interested in engineering or applied fields, and self-directed enough to push through without a highly structured environment around you.

Founded
1886
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing16%
Health Professions13%
Education13%
Engineering11%
Computer Science6%
Biological Sciences6%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Psychology5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Paul WightShirley KnightDennis RaderFred VanVleetJoyce DiDonatoAustin ReavesSamuel RameyLandry ShametJack RaglandFrancis JohnsonRon BakerMark Parkinson

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1118
Reading 75th %ile630
Math 75th %ile620

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,322
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,240
Avg Net Price
$13,776
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants30%
Median debt at graduation$14,700

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
51%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
68%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,700
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,700
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$38,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White57%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino17%
Asian8%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (10,493 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Wichita State University

1845 N. Fairmount

Wichita, KS 67260-0124

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Kansas

Browse all Kansas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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