Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Wright State University logo

Wright State University

Dayton, OH·Public·6,762 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state Ohio residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 6,762 students.

96%
Accept
6,762
Students
$15,415
Net Price
42%
Grad Rate
$46,100
Earnings
10 yr
$22,750
Debt

About This School

Wright State University is a public institution located in Dayton, Ohio with approximately 6,762 undergraduate students enrolled. Wright State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 96%. The average net price after financial aid is $15,415 per year. The graduation rate is 42%, 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
Avg Faculty Salary
$10,222

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing21%
Health Professions12%
Computer Science9%
Engineering9%
Education9%
Psychology8%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Biological Sciences5%

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

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite21

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$11,522
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,222
Avg Net Price
$15,415
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$11,952
$30–48k$11,631
$48–75k$14,501
$75–110k$18,734
$110k+$20,720

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants34%
Median debt at graduation$22,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
42%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
68%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,750
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$38,600
Female graduates$31,300

Gap: 19% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.0x

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

White67%
Black12%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian3%
Two or more races7%
International6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (6,762 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.