The best-kept secret in the Midwest
Wichita State University is the most affordable research university in Kansas and the greatest value in the region. The following charts show how our tuition and fees compares in cost to state, regional and peer four-year institutions over the course of a college career. The charts assume 30 credit hours per year including regular tuition and student fees.
KANSAS RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES*
| SCHOOL | IN-STATE TUITION (Academic Year) *** | TUITION SAVINGS BY ATTENDING WSU (4 Years to Degree) |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita State University | $9,684 | KANSAS' BEST VALUE |
| Kansas State University | $11,221 | $6,148 |
| University of Kansas | $12,284 | $10,400 |
REGIONAL RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES**
| SCHOOL | IN-STATE TUITION (Academic Year) *** | TUITION SAVINGS BY ATTENDING WSU (4 Years to Degree) |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita State University ** | $9,684 | ———— |
| University of Arkansas | $10,104 | $1,680 |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $10,434 | $3,000 |
| Iowa State University | $10,787 | $4,412 |
| University of Iowa | $11,283 | $6,396 |
| Texas A&M | $11,285 | $6,404 |
| University of North Texas | $11,726 | $8,168 |
| University of Texas at Arlington | $12,208 | $10,096 |
| University of Houston | $12,600 | $11,664 |
| University of Texas at Austin | $12,754 | $12,280 |
| Colorado State University | $13,373 | $14,756 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | $13,498 | $15,256 |
| Oklahoma State University | $13,920 | $16,944 |
| University of Colorado-Boulder | $14,002 | $17,272 |
| University of Oklahoma | $14,583 | $19,596 |
| University of Missouri | $14,830 | $20,584 |
| University of Missouri-St. Louis | $15,120 | $21,744 |
| University of Texas at Dallas | $16,144 | $25,840 |
* Costs from Kansas Board of Regents website for 2024-25 school year.
** Comparing WSU's in-state rates to other institutions' in-state rates. 2024-25 figures
and comparisons.
*** Comparing WSU's in-state rates to other institutions' in-state rates. 2023-24
figures and comparisons.
AT WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY
Tuition Dollars at Work
As a highly ranked research institution, Wichita State students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, applied learning opportunities and exceptional faculty engagement.
Graduate Programs
Graduate students have the option of more than 100 master’s or doctoral programs across our 10 colleges.
Applied Learning Opportunities
Every degree we offer has opportunities for internship or research experience. This gives Shockers in every major the chance to gain practical experience, build a professional network and earn college credit.
Innovation Excellence
Situated on 120 acres adjacent to the Wichita State University campus, the Innovation Campus is the home to industry and research powerhouses, including Airbus Americas, Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, NetApp, the ATF Center for Excellence and the National Institute for Research and Digital Transformation. WSU has partnered with these companies and organizations to build community partnerships that pioneer research, invention and product development.
Top 15 in overall engineering research and development expenditures.
$270 million in total research funding for FY2023, a new record.
TOP 80 "Most affordable colleges and universities" by college consensus.
Even More Value ...
Wichita State students also get lots of benefits instantly when they enroll, including food and academic support, free transportation and free sporting and cultural events. All the services below are provided at no additional charge to students.
- Free tickets to our NCAA Division I Shocker athletic events.
- Free tickets to to fine arts performances, exhibitions, and concerts on campus.
- Free membership to Greater Wichita YMCAs (10 state-of-the-art facilities, including the newest one right on our campus!).
- Free tutoring, math lab, writing center and additional student success resources.
- Free city bus transit with Shocker ID.
- Discounted food and services across the city through the ShockStop program.
- The Shocker Career Accelerator with LinkedIn profile coaching, interview prep, a professional career closet, and career fairs galore.
- One of the most affordable cities in the U.S., with access to paid internships in a giant network of companies and nonprofit organizations year-round.
- Free GoCreate makerspace membership, which includes access to 3D printers, embroidery machines, laser cutters, metalworking equipment and a T-shirt printer.
- Free access to the Shocker Support Locker, providing students free food, personal hygiene items and school supplies.
