Janice Lozano
Wichita State University, founded in 1926, is a public university in Wichita, Kansas. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and is home to over 19,000 students. With a moderately selective acceptance rate of 61.7%, Wichita State University considers applicants' GPA and SAT/ACT scores, with a higher score improving one's chances of admission. The university provides on-campus housing and dining options, recreational activities, and a range of athletic programs for students to engage in.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 61.7% |
| Average GPA | 3.44 |
| In-state Tuition and Fees | $9,322 |
| Out-of-state Tuition and Fees | $19,240 |
| Housing | On-campus and off-campus options available |
| Dining | On-campus dining options include the Rhatigan Student Center Food Court and the Shocker Dining Hall |
| Transportation | Free shuttle service available for students from Monday to Saturday |
| Athletics | 15 NCAA division teams, including bowling, basketball, and baseball |
| Library | Holdings of more than 2 million volumes, over 350 electronic databases, and more than 70,000 journal subscriptions |
| Academic Colleges and Schools | College of Applied Studies, W. Frank Barton School of Business, and departments in engineering, education, and more |
What You'll Learn
On-campus vs off-campus housing
Deciding between on-campus and off-campus housing is a big decision for students at Wichita State University. The university is located in a mostly residential section of Wichita, with the city's dining, entertainment, and nightlife hotspots a short distance away in the Oldtown area.
On-campus living offers several benefits, including a strong sense of community, an ideal environment for creating lasting friendships, and the support of resident advisors (RAs) who assist with the transition to university life. On-campus housing also provides safety and security, with 24/7 desk services, on-call staff, and security systems. The convenience of on-campus meal plans and minimal commuting stress leaves more time for studying, socializing, and extracurricular activities. Wichita State University offers three unique on-campus housing options: Shocker Hall, The Suites, and The Flats. Shocker Hall is exclusively for first-year students and features a cafeteria, while The Suites offers a suite-style residence and is also open to freshmen.
Off-campus housing, on the other hand, provides students with more independence and a wider range of accommodation options. Students can choose from apartments, houses, townhouses, or condos, depending on their budget and preferences. Websites like College Pads, Apartment Finder, and ForRentUniversity help students find off-campus housing near Wichita State University, offering various filters for price, location, pet policy, safety features, and amenities. Off-campus housing allows students to experience living in different areas of the city and provides an opportunity for more privacy or potentially lower costs.
Both options have their advantages, and the decision ultimately depends on the student's individual needs, preferences, and budget. While on-campus housing fosters a sense of community and provides convenience and security, off-campus housing offers independence and a broader range of choices. Students should carefully consider their priorities and the benefits of each option before making an informed decision.
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Academic colleges and schools
Wichita State University is made up of several academic colleges and schools. The College of Applied Studies, formerly known as the College of Education, is one of the key colleges. The W. Frank Barton School of Business is another prominent part of the university, offering a range of business-related programs.
The university's Aerospace Engineering department, founded in 1928, is notable for its strong industry connections. It has longstanding relationships with major aviation companies, including Airbus North America, Boeing, Bombardier-Learjet, Cessna, and Hawker Beechcraft. The department offers a diverse curriculum, covering areas such as composites, structures, engineering mechanics, computational fluid dynamics, applied aerodynamics, and flight simulation. Students in this department benefit from easy access to internships at nearby airports and aircraft companies.
The Wichita State University Libraries are an exceptional resource for students and the wider community. They hold over two million volumes, provide access to more than 350 electronic databases, and offer over 70,000 journal subscriptions. The libraries consist of the main Ablah Library, the McKinley Chemistry Library, the Thurlow Lieurance Music Library, and the University Libraries. The libraries also serve as depositories for federal and state government documents and are Kansas' only Patents and Trademarks Library.
Wichita State University has a strong focus on research and innovation. It is recognised as one of the fastest-growing research universities in the country, with consistent growth in annual research funding. The university has over 30 centres and institutes, along with state-of-the-art labs and research facilities, where students can engage in meaningful research that makes a tangible impact on the community and the economy. Wichita State's applied learning model enhances this experience by providing students with real-world opportunities through internships, industry partnerships, and collaborative projects.
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Sports and athletics
WSU competes in 16 intercollegiate athletic teams, with men's and women's sports. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, and track & field (indoor and outdoor). Women's sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, softball, tennis, track & field (indoor and outdoor), and volleyball. The university also offers club sports such as crew, bowling, and shooting sports, as well as intramural sports. The most recently added varsity sport is women's bowling, which was elevated to full varsity status in 2024-25 and joined Conference USA.
The Shockers have a rich history in sports, with a number of notable achievements. They have garnered two NCAA Final Fours (1965, 2013) and an NCAA National Championship in baseball (1989). Wichita State has also won four Missouri Valley Conference football titles (1954, 1960, 1961, and 1963). The university was the first Division I-A school to hire a black head coach in college football, Willie Jeffries, in 1979. Legendary NFL coach Bill Parcells was also a linebacker at WSU in 1962 and 1963.
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Payment options
Wichita State University offers a range of payment options for students to make it convenient and flexible for them to pay their tuition and fees. Here are the details of the payment options available:
In-State Tuition and Fees:
The in-state tuition and fees for Wichita State University are $9,322. This rate applies to students who are residents of the state in which the university is located. Students who meet the residency requirements set by the university and the state are eligible for this tuition rate. It is typically lower than the out-of-state tuition rate.
Out-of-State Tuition and Fees:
The out-of-state tuition and fees for Wichita State University are $19,240. This rate applies to students who are not residents of the state in which the university is located. Students who do not meet the residency requirements will be charged this higher tuition rate.
Payment Plans:
The university may offer payment plans that allow students to spread out the cost of their tuition and fees over a period of time. This can be a helpful option for students who cannot pay the full amount in one lump sum. Students can typically enrol in a payment plan at the beginning of each semester and make regular instalments towards their balance.
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Wichita State University likely provides financial aid options to help students cover their educational expenses. This can include scholarships, grants, work-study programmes, and student loans. Students can apply for financial aid by completing the necessary forms, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The university may also offer its own scholarships based on academic merit, athletic ability, or other criteria.
It is important for students to carefully review the payment options available at Wichita State University and plan their finances accordingly. Understanding the cost of attendance and exploring the available financial aid opportunities can help students make informed decisions about their education.
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Student support services
Wichita State University offers a range of student support services to cater to the diverse needs of its student body. These services are designed to enhance the overall student experience and ensure that students have access to the resources they need to succeed academically, socially, and personally.
One notable offering is the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program, which is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education. SSS specifically caters to students from first-generation and limited-income families, as well as students with disabilities. The program provides academic and professional development opportunities, as evidenced by a student testimonial expressing gratitude for the chance to work on campus and improve both professionally and academically with the support of SSS staff. SSS also assists first-generation students in navigating their college journey and working towards graduation.
The university's libraries, comprising the Ablah Library, the McKinley Chemistry Library, the Thurlow Lieurance Music Library, and other University Libraries, offer extensive resources and services. With holdings of over 2 million volumes, 350 electronic databases, and 70,000 journal subscriptions, the libraries provide a wealth of information for students. Additionally, the libraries serve as depositories for federal and state government documents and are open to community users, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing beyond the student body.
Wichita State University also recognises the importance of extracurricular engagement and provides a range of student services and activities through the Student Services Support Fee. This includes support for organisations such as the Heskett Center, Counseling and Prevention Services, Student Health Services, the Rhatigan Student Center, and the Sunflower, all of which contribute to the holistic development of students. The university also offers 24/7 support through the OneStop service centre, addressing admissions, financial aid, and registration queries.
Furthermore, the university prioritises technological enhancements and transportation convenience through additional fees. These fees support technology upgrades, such as the Blackboard package and Zoom licensing, and fund the campus shuttle bus service, ensuring accessibility and connectivity for all students.
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Frequently asked questions
Students can pay their fees through the MyWSU portal under MyFinances. Payment options include direct deposit from a U.S. bank account, cash, check, bank draft, money order, traveler's checks, or credit card.
Wichita State University offers housing facilities to students based on their level of education. Students can choose to live in on-campus or off-campus housing. On-campus housing offers ready-to-move-in rooms, laundry, kitchen facilities, and study rooms. Off-campus housing is usually chosen by graduate students due to significant cost savings.
The Campus Recreational Center at Wichita State University offers more than 100 programs, events, and student experiences, including competitions and entertainment-related events. The university also offers intramurals and club sports, as well as dining options in residential halls such as the Rhatigan Student Center Food Court and the Shocker Dining Hall.
