Friends University
Friends University is a private nonprofit university in Wichita, KS ranked #1255 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 1,015 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 55.6%. Students most often pursue Information Science/Studies and Accounting and Related Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 69.6% first-year retention, and 61.5% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $25,752, about $8,754 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -58.3%, roughly 143.6 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $42,960. That's about $728 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Friends University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Friends University graduates 61.5% of students within six years and keeps 69.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Friends 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 | $32,748 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,828 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,548 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $44,401 |
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 33.7% of Friends 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 $17,538 to $33,926 depending on family income. Use Friends University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $27,432/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $33,926/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $42,960
- 10-Year Median Earnings $42,960
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $17,413
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 51.9%
- Employment Rate 89.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Friends 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.
Friends University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Friends University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Friends University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Friends University graduates earn $42,960 median, the -58.3% 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 465-550
- SAT Math 450-540
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 17-22
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,015
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 69.6%
- Graduation Rate 61.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Friends University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Friends 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 55.6%, Friends 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 55.6% acceptance rate, Friends 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 915 and 1090 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Friends University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, and Accounting and Related Services draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 22.0%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 8.1%
- Accounting and Related Services 8.1%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 7.1%
- Psychology, General 5.7%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.4%
See more majors
- Biology, General 5.4%
- Zoology/Animal Biology 4.7%
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. Information Science/Studies $89,846
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $69,393
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $61,829
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Human Resources Management and Services $53,504
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $46,313
- 6. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $41,734
- 7. Criminal Justice and Corrections $34,522
- 8. Psychology, General $32,760
- 9. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $24,870
- 10. Zoology/Animal Biology $24,692
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $100,379
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $80,612
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $57,755
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $57,030
- 5. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $52,535
- 6. Religion/Religious Studies (Master's Degree) $46,502
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Information Science/Studies grads earn $89,846—264% more than Zoology/Animal Biology ($24,692). Graduate: Health and Medical Administrative Services programs lead with $100,379 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Friends University. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,015
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 50.8%
- Female Students 49.2%
- Caucasian 50.9%
- Asian 1.2%
- Hispanic 21.2%
- Black 10.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 33.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Friends University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Friends University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Friends University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Friends University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Friends University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Friends University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Friends University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -58.3% ROI. Ranked #1255 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $25,752 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $42,960 median earnings. With 61.5% graduating within six years and 69.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Friends University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1255 ranking, Friends University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $25,752 annually, Friends University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 69.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $18,026 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -58.3% ROI and $42,960 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $15,752+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Friends University ranks #1255 of 6272 institutions, with 1373 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 61.5% six-year graduation rate sits 1.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 69.6% first-year retention is 7.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -58.3% return on investment is 143.6 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $42,960 run about 2% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $25,752 is roughly $8,634 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 69.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.4% employment rate within three years sits 21.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $25,752 is about $8,634 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 33.7% trails the national share by 5.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Wichita, KS, Friends University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It stands at #1255 among 6272 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C+.
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.
About 69.6% of first-year students return, and roughly 61.5% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -58.3%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
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 $25,752 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $44,401.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $18,649 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $17,413 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.7% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $42,960 six years after entry. That sits about 2% below the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 89.4%.
The ROI comes in near -58.3%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
55.6% 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 Friends 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 67213
- Website www.friends.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$58.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate16.1%