Overview
Wichita State University was founded in 1895 as Fairmount College, a private Congregational institution, before becoming a municipal university in 1926 and joining the Kansas state system in 1964. Located in the aviation manufacturing hub of Wichita, the university built a strong reputation in aerospace engineering, business, health professions, and the arts, leveraging its proximity to major aircraft manufacturers like Boeing, Textron Aviation, and Spirit AeroSystems. WSU is classified as a doctoral research university with high research activity and is particularly known for its applied and industry-connected research through the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR).
At a Glance
| Type | Public Research |
| Location | Wichita, Kansas |
| Founded | 1895 |
| Total students | 14,500 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 16:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 94% |
| Graduation rate | 48% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $9,700 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,900 |
| Room & board | $11,200 |
| Average financial aid | $9,500 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 980-1200 |
| ACT range | 19-25 |
| Average GPA | 3.40 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Aerospace Engineering
- Business Administration
- Nursing
- Fine Arts
- Applied Aviation
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.