Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Wright State University logo

Wright State University

Dayton, OH·Public·6,330 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state Ohio residents. freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 6,330 students.

95%
Accept
6,330
Students
$15,216
Net Price
46%
Grad Rate
$46,100
Earnings
10 yr
$15,854
Debt

About This School

Wright State University is a public institution located in Dayton, Ohio with approximately 6,330 undergraduate students enrolled. Wright State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 95%. The average net price after financial aid is $15,216 per year. The graduation rate is 46%, and the typical graduate earns $46,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Wright State University is a public research university in Fairborn, Ohio, United States. Originally opened in 1964 as a branch campus of Miami University and Ohio State University, it became an independent institution in 1967 and was named in honor of aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright, who were residents of nearby Dayton. The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". It is a member of the University System of Ohio. Its athletic teams, the Wright State Raiders, compete in Division I of the NCAA as members of the Horizon League. In addition to the main campus, the university also operates a regional campus near Celina, Ohio, called Wright State University–Lake Campus.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the 95% acceptance rate and $15,216 average net price make this genuinely accessible, and the R2 research designation means real academic resources for a public school price. However, only 46% of students graduate, and the 63% freshman retention rate suggests many students struggle to find their footing — those are warning signs worth taking seriously before enrolling. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious, have a clear program in mind (engineering and health sciences are strong suits), and have a solid plan to stay on track.

Founded
1964
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing23%
Health Professions13%
Engineering10%
Education9%
Psychology8%
Computer Science8%
Biological Sciences5%
Visual & Performing Arts5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Nicole ScherzingerMichael BarrattChitra Banerjee DivakaruniEddie McClintockVitaly PotapenkoJoyce BeattyDuane MartinRobert PollardCarlos PeñaAndrea BendewaldBrad Sherwood

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1086
Reading 75th %ile620
Math 75th %ile610

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$11,188
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,606
Avg Net Price
$15,216
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants33%
Median debt at graduation$15,854

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
46%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
63%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,854
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,854
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

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

Student Body

White71%
Black12%
Hispanic/Latino4%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (6,330 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Wright State University

3640 Colonel Glenn Highway

Dayton, OH 45435-0001

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Ohio

Browse all Ohio 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

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.