Wichita State University
WSU
Wichita, Kansas 67260-0124
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Wichita State University is a public institution in Wichita with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1118, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 10.5K undergraduates with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
51% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $51,532 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $13,776.
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Shockers
History & Fun Facts
- •Joseph Homer Parker founded a private women's Congregational preparatory school which was supported mainly by Wichita's Plymouth Congregational Church, Parker's church.
- •In early 1887, the project's leaders received a land parcel from the developers of the adjacent Fairmount Neighborhood and, in response, renamed their school Fairmount College.
- •In 1892, a corporation bought the property and named the preparatory school Fairmount Institute.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1118
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
65.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,700
Programs (193)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
68%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
80
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from KS state average + large city premium