Wichita State University and the Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) are celebrating record-breaking enrollments this fall, continuing a decade of growth. During the past 10 years, WSU enrollment has grown by 27% and WSU Tech by 101%. Wichita State has a headcount of 25,147 students — the highest in university history.
Wichita State’s main campus enrollment increased 4.3%, up to 18,458 this year; that’s the largest number of students ever enrolled at Wichita State, marking five consecutive years of enrollment growth.
WSU Tech also reported its highest headcount in the history of the college with 6,689 students, a 9.5% increase.
“This surge in enrollment reflects what we’ve known all along: When you prioritize access, affordability and student success, students will choose Wichita State,” said Dr. Rick Muma, WSU president. “In my 30 years at Wichita State, I’ve seen steady progress, and the past decade has brought remarkable growth thanks to our focus on innovation, partnerships, and creating opportunities that matter for students and for Kansas.”
The enrollment data highlights an emerging trend in higher education: a sharp increase in professional learners. These are students who often seek credentials, certificates and badges that advance their careers rather than pursuing traditional undergraduate or graduate degrees.
The number of returning students to WSU has increased 5% from last fall.
WSU Tech also marked its fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth, driven by the addition of new programs, new locations, and the availability of state-funded initiatives that make college more accessible and affordable.
“WSU Tech exists to serve students and to serve our community,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, WSU Tech president. “This record enrollment growth shows that more people than ever are choosing technical education as their pathway to success. It’s proof that our programs are not only changing lives but also directly meeting workforce needs in high-wage, high-demand careers. Together, with our industry partners and the state, we are building a stronger workforce for our community and a stronger Kansas.”
Enrollment from the Shocker City Partnership and Shocker Select programs — which offer discounted tuition to students from the Midwest — climbed to a record 1,727 this fall, a nearly 15% increase. There were notable increases among students from the neighboring states of Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado — a direct result of WSU’s tuition discount program that offers in-state tuition to students in eight other states.
First-generation students — or students who are the first in their family to attend college — accounted for 47.5% of Wichita State’s enrollment.
Wichita State’s Teacher Apprentice Program grew 6.7% since last fall. This program is currently preparing 743 para educators for licensure as a Kansas teacher.
1,634 students are entering college for the first time – the fifth year in a row WSU has exceeded 1,600 students.
Hispanic students account for 19% of total enrollment, an increase of 0.7% in the past year. Graduate student enrollment reflected a 3.9% increase.
There was an 8% increase in fall-to-fall persistence (retention) among undergraduate students. Overall enrollment from Sedgwick County is up 3.3%.
WSU Tech continues to serve as a strong transfer partner into WSU with 891 students studying at WSU this fall compared to 804 last fall: an 11% increase.
A record 527 recent high school graduates enrolled directly at WSU Tech this fall. This is the first time that number has exceeded 500, and it represents a 21% increase compared to last year.
WSU Tech enrolled 3,431 high school students in fall 2025, an 11.5% increase compared to last year. This represents the largest high school enrollment in WSU Tech’s history.
WSU Tech headcount growth includes automotive service up 27%, business up nearly 24%, alternative fuels up more than 69%, welding up 12.7%, culinary up nearly 41%, professional pilot up more than 129%, aviation maintenance up 10%, and climate and energy control up 13.6%.
Electrical Technology launched with 45 students. Mobile Equipment, in its first full fall semester, enrolled 93 students, an increase of 181% compared to last year. Mental Health Technician, a new program, enrolled 11 students in its first semester, establishing an important foundation to meet growing workforce needs.
FutureReady Centers, a partnership with Wichita Public Schools, enrolled 384 students this fall at their Manufacturing, Healthcare and new IT centers.