Founded in 1895, Wichita State University. is a Public college. Located in Kansas, which is a city setting in Kansas, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 11,585 full time undergraduate students, and 2,581 full time graduate students.
The Wichita State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 19:1. There are 523 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Wichita State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
86%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
30
SAT Range
915-1220
ACT Range
21-27
Admissions at WSU are considered Less Selective, with ,66% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 26 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
79% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 48% were in the top quarter, and 23% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Wichita State University.
3%
“We”re apathetic”
28%
“We know about current events and vote”
57%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
13%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
23%
“Sometimes, but not often”
56%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
13%
“I only go out in groups”
55%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
31%
“I feel extremely safe”
4%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
16%
“We bought the gear”
80%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
17%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
55%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
26%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
73%
“They keep regular office hours”
21%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
24%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
68%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
5%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
8%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
40%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
38%
“We only party on weekends”
14%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
13%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
71%
“There might be people who do”
15%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
1%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
28%
“We know about current events and vote”
57%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
13%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
23%
“Sometimes, but not often”
56%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
13%
“I only go out in groups”
55%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
31%
“I feel extremely safe”
4%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
16%
“We bought the gear”
80%
“We live for the big game”
3%
“It”s not really our thing”
17%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
55%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
26%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
73%
“They keep regular office hours”
21%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
24%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
68%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
5%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
148 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 24 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
130 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
198 Students rated campus food 3.8 stars. 26 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
210 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
212 Students rated class size 4 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
207 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
207 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 47 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
211 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.
Wichita State University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Wichita State University?
100 Students rated Wichita State University
Otto
Prospective04/03/2025
When I was younger, my elementary school took us on a field trip to Wichita State University to explore the campus and all that the school had to offer. I'll admit I don't remember much from that field trip besides seeing the bowling ally and the large swimming pool. I do remember being completely amazed. And if I get to attend WSU, I am truly excited to explore the campus and participate in everything WSU has to offer! I really mean that. I believe I will find everything I'm looking for at WSU and I really hope I get to go there.
Jasmine
I would rate Wichita State University four stars out of five as a visitor. On my visit, I felt a warm sense of welcome by the group doing my tour. They were very accommodating and I felt comfortable asking them questions that popped up. The housing is great, better than some of the other universities I've visited. My only issue with the campus is that it isn't in the best area of town.
Elyzabeth
I think it's a great campus with even better opportunities.
KeAdre
Wichita State University is relatively small school with not much to do on campus and the surrounding area. However, you come accross people that overtime become lifelong friends and family that makes the college experience so rewarding. There aren't a lot of events and activities that are considered lively to our generation, but if you keep an open mind and branch out in doing different things, WSU is definitely an atmosphere where you can make it happen.
Teagan
Wichita State University seemed great when I first visited the college prior to covid but my experience since enrolling in the fall of 2020 has had ups and downs. I felt like there was never a lot going on around campus and I didn’t get to make many friends my first year with hardly anything being in person but now that all the restrictions are gone things seem to be starting back up again. Campus housing isn’t great but if you’re wanting to get more involved on campus and be really active then I’d recommend living in the campus housing or joining a fraternity/sorority to help you meet people.
Brooke
It's a great school and makes the most of things due to the lack of excitement Wichita offers. There are many opportunities for students on and off campus, and everyone gets involved with activities supported by staff such as, the Clash of the Colleges. I participated this year and my school, the School of Fine Arts, won! Great time all around.
Brasna
Wichita State University is one of my dreams school that I had applied to for this coming fall of 2022, and I believe that this school is well fit for me due to the fact it has some of my well liked majors along with a good campus for its size in Wichita.
Michelle
Overall, I like attending there. It is a really good school for transfer students and adult learners. The pathways to getting degrees as a non-traditional student are well laid out. There are also a lot of places to work in Wichita, which makes going to school easier.
Brooke
As much as I would love to give Wichita State University an amazing rating, I'd be lying. My advisor for online education was AWFUL. I was supposed to graduate after Fall 2021 semester according to my advisor and credits. However, when I double checked to ensure completion of degree, I was informed I still had 2 semesters left. I had ended up taking classes that I did not need (advisor assigned). I wasted my time and money. When I inquired about taking extra courses to graduate on time, it was too late, and my advisor was out on maternity leave. No other advisor could help (as there were none). I completed my BA program early Summer 2021 and have been now waiting on my transcripts to be electronically sent since July 2nd. When double checking when they will be sent, staff is incredibly rude, and unhelpful. If they do not get sent in time, I could lose my spot in grad school for an entire year. I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone. The only positive is tuition cost.
LaMia
I think that WSU is a good school to attend. I've only been here for the 2020-21 school year so many things were not how they usually were. I think that it will be better in the fall because more activities will be available and student life will be better. Student housing on-campus is okay depending on where you live.
rebekah
This school is a joke. They don’t care at all about their students. If you are not a traditional student the can devote your life and all your families savings to them then they will take every opportunity to screw you over. Honestly of the three schools I have attended this one has been the absolute worse I’m just happy to finally be finishing. There has not been a single time that I have felt safe, cared for, had a worthy experience there.
Jessica
I haven't had problems with the college. It's only the third we of school, so I can't say I'm having problems yet. We haven't had any sports games, but the students here are getting the the sportsmanship spirit. We have small events that welcomed new and returning students. Overall, Wichita State is a good school to attend.
holly
I lived with parents so I cant comment on off campus housing. The area is now in a weird situation. A few blocks east starts the high end center like Bradley Fair and a lot of restaurants and entertainment. The area west isnt great. The food on campus is largely relegated to fast food franchises and what salads/sandwiches Starbucks serves. There could be better options. The library is awesome and if covid ever goes away, theres a section that is open 24 hours. some classes are bigger than others, some only have maybe 15 people in them, depends on what you take. The professors are always available to some degree- fair warning, not all have an actual office. some just teach one or two classes so they dont have one. There are some classes where tutoring is automatically available so you dont have to ask around for one. We are very passionate about our mens basketball team. parking can be a nightmare so either take early classes or stack them so you commute on bus from one of the lots and are on campus a decent amount of time to make the commute by bus worth it.
Deena
A great and definitely affordable school for the education and outside connections you receive. You'll definitely meet some lifelong friends, professors will be there to give advice long after you graduate, and there's a great initiative currently to get students real-life experience almost as soon as you begin college.
Mary-Esther
How do you rate a school? Do I talk about the time the pizza dough was raw, while their rice was overcooked? Or how they have little vegetarian options. Or maybe I give them praise for having a large dorm room, but then I would have to mention the on-campus apartments and how I am anticipating a nightmare with those, (they look, dare I say it, cramped. They expect two people in that tiny room? Okay honey...) But do these things matter? (okay, obviously yes, that's food and shelter, but we'll overlook that). I think what defines Wichita State is the people. The nurse I visit every couple of months due to my anxiety giving me a stomach ache, she always listens and laughs at my jokes and makes me feel better. My intro to teaching professor who let me pour out my heart about all my worries with the future and gave me a note of reassurance, one that I will remember forever. There are more stories like this, where the people of Wichita are phenomenal, and because of them I can't give Wichita State a bad review.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Wichita State University is 86%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I would tell myself to save money! Every little bit helps, even if it is the spare change in your pocket. I would also encourage myself to take the time to figure out what I want to do and to use as much time as I need to prepare for it. College straight out of high school works for some people, but for people like me, it is a much more valuable experience if you aren't rushed through the process.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
Neither of my parents received college degrees, and I attended a small private high school. Consequently, I lacked the resources for proper college preparation. Having been accepted to more prestigious schools, I settled for Wichita State because of financial concerns. Would I have possessed some scholarship savvy, I might have acquired the funds to afford a more rigorous education.
People. This institution serves as a superb example of what it means to treat an individual like just that, an individual. Most other institutions place students on scales and refer to them as little more than a number. At Wichita State University the faculty, staff, and alumni genuinely strive to get to know the students on a more personal level. This university allows one to form significant bonds. Also, the cooperative education program and National Student Exchange program offer students opportnities seldom seen on other campuses. The real world experience and metropolitan advantage offered by this university is unparalleled.
The kind of person that should attend this and any college should be one that is sure what they want and expect out of their school. It's a lot easier to get the most out of your education experience if you know what you general path for your future schooling is.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
I love the opportunites to get involved in a variety of activities that WSU presents. I also love a program called Coop in which students are able to gain experiences from a work environment.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
many classes tend to be offered at the same time as other classes you need. depending on semester, not much classes to choose from that are off campus. Depending on major, most classes if not all are on campus instead of being able to be done online or on other campuses
What kind of person should not attend this school?
I don't think anyone should NOT attend this school. There is something for everyone here. There is a great melting pot of people here, along with great support for the disabled and an amazing groups for students with other faiths and beliefs. This is an outstanding university that goes out of its way to make you feel at home. Unfortunately, there is not a football team, or a marching band, so if that is what you are looking for then this school is probably not for you.
You're gonna find great professors and awful ones, although I've found a lot more good than bad. In my own major, the education department is a joke. The only project for my intro to education class was e-mailing and web-camming with Vietnamese students to gain "cultural diversity." I am not going to be teaching in Vietnam. I'm going to be teaching in America. Nice as they were, getting to know Vietnamese college students didn't really further my knowledge of how to become an educator. Waste of time.
The English department, on the other hand, is wonderful. Those were some of the first classes I've ever come out of knowing other students' names because my professors actually used them! I've learned critical thinking skills and writing skills (so please ignore any grammatical mistakes! haha). We had interesting discussions daily, and the professors were always very respectful of their students as they aimed us in the right direction.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
I think there are enough students, there can't be one stereotype to rule them all (I may be a nerd, I am not ashamed). I have friends who are frat guys, jocks, sorority sisters, partiers and nerds. Wichita State has something for eveyone.
I don't really spend any time on campus outside of class time--in fact, it took me a year to figure out where the student center was. I felt very much on my own to try to figure it out. Wichita State is quite a commuter college, as many of its students are folks who are returning to finish their degrees.
If you're living in the dorms or in a fraternity or sorority there's a little more to do, but if you're living at home you're really not going to have a college experience at all. It's just school, and that's exactly how most of the students feel.
As Wichita goes, it's a great city. I love living here! It's no New York City. Heck--it's not even an Austin. But traffic is easy, and there are some good hang out spots if you're willing to find them. Old Town, for example, is a great part of the city. You've got shopping, a coffee house, restaurants, an art gallery, and a movie theatre right in one little block. Century II puts on Broadway-caliber musicals in the summer, and there's always the bar and nightclub scene for legal students.
It's a diverse city and a very diverse campus (watch out for non-English speaking professors in the engineering, science, and math departments). It's a good place to be, but again, it's not much of a "college life" per se.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
Again, Christian Challege is a great social/church group, which I highly recommend.
Shocker basketball games are fun to attend, but they're not really the best team. You're not going to get a huge sense of school spirit at WSU. Hippodrome (a sort of a talent show) happens every year, and people get kind of excited about that (and by excited I mean that there's usually a facebook invitation sent out).
Student Activities Council (SAC) plans events for students, but honestly, they're not really ever a big enough deal for most students to know about.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
91% of students attending Wichita State University receive some sort of financial aid.
35% were awarded federal grants.55%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.