Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Wichita, Kansas |
| Online | wichita.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Located in Kansas's largest city, Wichita State University occupies a 330-acre urban campus in the northeast section of Wichita. The institution, founded in 1895 as Fairmount College, transitioned to municipal ownership in 1926 and became a state university in 1964. WSU maintains a strong emphasis on engineering, business, and health professions, with its aerospace engineering program particularly recognized due to the university's partnerships with Wichita's aviation industry. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the distinctive Corbin Education Center designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and offers extensive student housing options through traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. As a member of the American Athletic Conference, WSU's men's basketball program competes at the NCAA Division I level, with the Shockers playing home games in the Charles Koch Arena.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
WSU is rated within the lower 42% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Wichita State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#741 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#258 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#8 in Best Colleges in Kansas
#3 in Best Public Colleges in Kansas
#57 in Best Value Colleges in Kansas
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 970/1250 |
| ACT | 18/26 |
| GPA | 3.48 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $40 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Kansas Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Other Fees | $2,075 |
| Room and Board | $13,790 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,450 |
| Total One Year Cost | $27,812 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Other Fees | $2,075 |
| Room and Board | $13,790 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,450 |
| Total One Year Cost | $37,730 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 22% |
| Health Professions | 14% |
| Education | 11% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 9% |
| Engineering | 9% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering WSU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=156125 IPEDS survey data for Wichita State University.
Current students may use the Wichita State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025