College Interrupted? Proven Pathways to Complete Your Degree on Your Terms
Thinking about going back to college after stopping out? Wichita State's Shocker Comeback Program helps you return, finish, and succeed on your terms.
The numbers don't lie—getting your degree is still one of the smartest investments you can make. According to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with bachelor's degrees earn a median of $1,533 per week compared to $946 for high school graduates. That's not just extra spending money—it's financial security and the freedom to pursue work that actually means something to you.
The challenges are real, but with the proper support, like what we offer through Wichita State's Shocker Comeback Program, they're absolutely manageable. If you're a former WSU student looking to return and finish your degree, we designed this program specifically for Shockers like you.
Here's how to make it happen.
How Wichita State's Shocker Comeback Program Helps
Wichita State University (WSU) has launched the Shocker Comeback Program to address returning students' unique challenges. It's tailored for former WSU students eager to return, no matter how long they've been away. The program ensures you don't have to navigate the return alone through:
- Personalized Support: When you join Shocker Comeback, you're getting a whole support team. The program is run by WSU's Office of Online and Adult Learning, where the staff genuinely care about seeing you succeed. From day one, they're helping you figure out your strengths, connect with other students who get it, find financial aid, and prepare for your career after graduation.
Once you sign up, a representative will reach out and stick with you through every step—orientation, registration, even planning for graduation. As Pamela O'Neal from the office notes it, WSU's 'abundant resources' ensure that 'every student—regardless of their time away—has the opportunity to succeed.' That means you'll have academic and career advisors working with you to map out exactly where you want to go and how to get there.
- Financial Incentives: WSU offers a dedicated Shocker Comeback Scholarship of up to $1,000 for returning students. In addition, the WSU Osher Reentry Scholarship provides up to $2,500 per year for students with a 5-year gap in their education.
These awards can cover a significant portion of tuition. WSU's financial aid advisors
will help you explore grants, loans, or payment plans. With this financial support,
affordability becomes far less of a barrier.
- Flexible Learning Options: The program recognizes that flexibility is key. WSU offers a wide range of fully online degree programs and hybrid courses. This means you can complete coursework from home or work whenever it fits your schedule. Many courses are offered in the evenings if you prefer classroom time. By mixing online and in-person classes, you tailor your schedule. You can start in the fall or spring, whichever works for you.
Flexible options let you study where and when it works for you. Wichita State emphasizes fully online and hybrid courses so you can work at your own pace.
Getting Back to School at Wichita State University
Life happens. Maybe you paused your education for work, family, or just needed a break. Whatever brought you to this moment, you're here now—and that's what matters.
The best part? You don't have to figure this out alone. We've helped students exactly like you turn "someday" into "today." Here's how to find your path back:
"I Was Just Here—Like, Recently"
Left Wichita State within the last 1-2 years
Your timing couldn't be better. Your student account is probably still humming along in our system, which means you're practically already back!
Just reach out to our Shocker Comeback representative. They'll walk you through getting re-enrolled so you can be back in class before you know it. No bureaucratic maze, no starting from scratch.
"It's Been a While... Like, a Long While"
Haven't been to Wichita State in 3+ years
So, it's been a few years—maybe more than a few. That's totally fine. You're not the first person to put college on pause.
First step: reactivate your student account. It sounds more complicated than it is—just update your info and let us know you're ready to come back. Once that's done, your Shocker Comeback representative becomes your new best friend, helping you navigate everything from enrollment to figuring out which classes you still need.
One important thing: Before you can register for classes, make sure to send official transcripts from any other colleges you attended during your break to our Registrar's Office. Trust us, it's easier to get this done upfront than to scramble later.
You Can Do This
Returning to college is a big decision, but the long-term benefits are clear: higher earnings, new career options, and the personal pride of finishing what you started.
At Wichita State, the message is simple: the program is here to support you every step of the way. Start by reaching out to the WSU Office of Online and Adult Learning. Complete the Shocker Comeback form, and you'll immediately gain access to guidance and community. By taking that first step, you'll be on the path to degree completion. The hardest part isn't coming back to school—it's making the decision to do it. And you've already done that.