Wichita State University
Wichita State University is a public university in Wichita, KS ranked #1327 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 10,493 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 94.9%. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, 67.6% first-year retention, and 51.4% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $13,776, about $3,222 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -20.1%, roughly 105.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $44,043. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Wichita State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Wichita State University graduates 51.4% of students within six years and keeps 67.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Wichita State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $9,322 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,790 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,450 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $21,064 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 29.7% of Wichita State University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,914 to $18,751 depending on family income. Use Wichita State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,670/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $18,751/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $44,043
- 10-Year Median Earnings $44,043
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,700
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 53.6%
- Employment Rate 89.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Wichita State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Wichita State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Wichita State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Wichita State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Wichita State University graduates earn $44,043 median, the -20.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 490-630
- SAT Math 480-620
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 10,493
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 67.6%
- Graduation Rate 51.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into Wichita State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Wichita State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 94.9%, Wichita State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 94.9% acceptance rate, Wichita State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 970 and 1250 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Wichita State University undergraduates. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 8.1%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 6.1%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.1%
- Psychology, General 4.5%
- Mechanical Engineering 4.0%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 3.7%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 3.6%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 3.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $89,791
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $88,629
- 3. Mechanical Engineering $88,218
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $82,517
- 5. Management Information Systems and Services $77,737
- 6. Accounting and Related Services $72,214
- 7. International Business $69,998
- 8. Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions $68,214
- 9. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $66,435
- 10. Computer Science $64,699
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $128,612
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $92,743
- 3. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degree) $89,838
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $79,773
- 5. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $79,490
- 6. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $77,166
- 7. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $62,039
- 8. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $61,454
- 9. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $59,671
- 10. Social Work (Master's Degree) $54,675
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $89,791—39% more than Computer Science ($64,699). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $128,612 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Wichita State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 123 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 109 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 96 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 88 graduates)
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 78 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (56 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Social Work
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Computer Science
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Engineering Technology, General
- Industrial Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Computer Engineering
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Design and Applied Arts
- International Business
- English Language and Literature, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Political Science and Government
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Music
- Anthropology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Chemistry
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Sociology
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- History
- Mathematics
- Journalism
- International/Global Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Security Science and Technology
- Physics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Economics
- Statistics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
Online Master's Degrees (37 programs)â–¼
- Social Work
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Industrial Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Computer Science
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Music
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Psychology, General
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Biology, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
Online Doctoral Degrees (8 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemistry
- Applied Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (16 programs)â–¼
- Industrial Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Health
- Systems Engineering
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Anthropology
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Music
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- English Language and Literature, General
- Data Science
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (17 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Social Work
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- International/Global Studies
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Area Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Graphic Communications
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Sustainability Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Materials Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 10,493
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.1%
- Female Students 55.9%
- Caucasian 56.6%
- Asian 7.7%
- Hispanic 17.0%
- Black 6.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 29.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Wichita State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Wichita State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wichita State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Wichita State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Wichita State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Wichita State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Wichita State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1327 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,776 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $44,043 median earnings. The 51.4% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 67.6% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Wichita State University's Strengths
Ranked #1327 with a B- grade, Wichita State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Wichita State University excel at providing affordable education ($13,776 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Wichita State University's 67.6% retention and 51.4% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($44,043 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Wichita State University and $13,776 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 51.4% six-year graduation rate sits 11.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 67.6% first-year retention is 9.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -20.1% return on investment is 105.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $44,043 run about 1% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,776 is roughly $3,342 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 67.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.2% employment rate within three years sits 21.0 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 29.7% trails the national share by 9.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Wichita State University—a public university in Wichita, KS—at B- overall. It appears at #1327 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns B-, Support C, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
67.6% of learners come back after year one while 51.4% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -20.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,776 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $21,064.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,288 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,700 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 29.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $44,043 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 1% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 89.2% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -20.1% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
94.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Wichita State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Wichita, KS 67260-0124
- Website www.wichita.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$320.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate28.0%