WSU vs. University of Nevada-Reno

Comparable Facts

Compare Wichita State University in Wichita, KS with University of Nevada Reno in Reno, NV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Nevada Reno is larger than WSU based on total student enrollment (23,024 students vs. 16,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wichita State University is located in Wichita, KS (Large City setting); University of Nevada Reno is in Reno, NV (Midsize City setting).
• Wichita State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Nevada Reno is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wichita State University 19:1; University of Nevada Reno 17:1.

WSU vs. University of Nevada-Reno Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSU or University of Nevada-Reno? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Wichita State University than University of Nevada-Reno ($14,228 vs. $17,226).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wichita State University are 14.3% lower than at University of Nevada Reno ($12,420 vs. $14,496).
• Wichita State University is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Nevada-Reno (about $106 more per year; $9,684.00 vs. $9,578.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.5% higher at University of Nevada-Reno than at Wichita State University (about $7,851 more per year; $27,720.00 vs. $19,869.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Nevada Reno than at Wichita State University (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wichita State University students is 10.2% larger than aid received by University of Nevada Reno students ($8,125 vs. $7,375).

WSU vs. University of Nevada-Reno Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSU or University of Nevada-Reno? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Nevada-Reno and WSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Nevada Reno (1180) is 110 points higher than at WSU (1070).
• Incoming University of Nevada-Reno students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at WSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wichita State University 905/1240; University of Nevada Reno 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wichita State University 17/25; University of Nevada Reno 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSU - Test optional; University of Nevada-Reno - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Nevada-Reno Apr 7, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WSU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at University of Nevada-Reno (3.4).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than University of Nevada-Reno (73.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at WSU vs. 26.5% at University of Nevada-Reno.

WSU vs. University of Nevada-Reno Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSU and University of Nevada-Reno? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Nevada Reno's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Wichita State University's (43%).
• Graduates from University of Nevada Reno earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than WSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Nevada Reno graduates have a $1,699 lower median loan debt than WSU graduates ($18,801 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Nevada-Reno graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSU graduates ($194 vs. $211).
• More University of Nevada-Reno graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 55%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.