Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
Out-of-state tuition
$7,237
$24,029 with room and board
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
6,106
Student-faculty ratio 16:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
36.3%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 40.5%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU-AST) is a vital part of Wichita State University located in Wichita, Kansas. Focused on providing innovative education and training in applied sciences and technology, the campus offers a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of the modern workforce. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, students engage in practical experiences that prepare them for their future careers. The institution is particularly known for its advanced facilities and laboratories, which are equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling students to gain real-world experience in their fields of study.
The campus fosters a vibrant community that emphasizes collaboration and creativity. Students are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations that align with their academic interests and career goals. WSU-AST's commitment to student success is reflected in its dedicated faculty members, who bring extensive industry experience and academic expertise to the classroom. The supportive environment contributes to a strong sense of belonging among students, ultimately enhancing their educational experience. With a range of programs tailored to meet workforce demands, WSU-AST graduates are well-prepared to enter the job market, supported by the university's robust career services and strong connections with local industries.
Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
The data from Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology reveals several noteworthy trends that are critical for understanding the institution's performance and student experience.
Firstly, there is a significant fluctuation in tuition fees over the years, particularly for in-state undergraduate students. The tuition peaked at $7,323 in 2018 but saw a substantial decrease to $5,715 by 2023. This reduction, alongside a decrease in out-of-state tuition, could signal an effort to make education more accessible and attract a larger student body during a time when many institutions face declining enrollments.
In terms of student retention, the data indicates a concerning trend. Retention rates dropped to 50% in 2021 but have since rebounded to approximately 57% in 2023. This volatility may reflect the broader challenges faced by universities during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted many students' academic journeys. The ability to maintain and improve retention rates will be crucial for the university's future success.
Moreover, the gender ratio among undergraduates shows a gradual shift towards a more balanced enrollment, with male students comprising about 54.67% in 2023, up from 44.45% in 2013. This change may reflect broader societal trends in education and career choices, as well as the university's potential efforts to promote programs that attract male students.
Finally, the graduation rates, particularly the on-time graduation rates, have exhibited a mixed trend, with 34.91% of students graduating on time in 2023, an improvement from previous years. However, this remains an area for further enhancement, as graduation rates are a critical indicator of student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness.
In conclusion, while the university has made strides in reducing tuition and improving retention, challenges remain in graduation rates and maintaining a stable enrollment demographic. Addressing these factors will be essential for the university's continued growth and reputation in the educational landscape.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- Wichita, about 8 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL), about 130 mi
- Also known as
- WSU Tech
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Sheree Utash (President)
- Phone
- 3166779400
- Address
- 4004 N Webb Rd., Wichita, KS 67226
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Trends at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
The data from Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology highlights a notable trend in the graduation rates across various programs, particularly at the associate degree level. The Veterinary/Animal Health Technology program leads with 17 graduates, followed closely by Machine Tool Technology, which produced 18 graduates. These numbers reflect strong student interest in technical and vocational fields, which are crucial for addressing labor market demands, especially in healthcare and engineering sectors.
Interestingly, the data shows a complete absence of graduates at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels across all programs reported. This could indicate that the university primarily focuses on associate degrees or that there may be a lack of advanced programs available in the fields listed. This trend could also be reflective of broader shifts in education where community colleges and technical schools are becoming more prominent in offering practical skills training that aligns with current job market needs.
Moreover, the data reveals that international students have not yet graduated from these programs, suggesting that recruitment efforts for international students may need to be strengthened or that these programs are primarily serving domestic students. Given the growing importance of global competencies in today’s economy, enhancing diversity in the student body could enrich the learning environment and prepare students for a more interconnected world.
In conclusion, the data reflects a strong emphasis on associate degrees in technical fields at Wichita State University, with a clear opportunity for growth in higher-level degree offerings and international student enrollment. As industries evolve, educational institutions must adapt to meet the changing demands for skilled labor, making it essential to create pathways for students to pursue advanced degrees in their respective fields.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | $55,581-$57,975 | |
| Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician. | $55,581-$57,975 | |
| Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician. | $55,581-$57,975 | |
| Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/Technician. | $55,581-$57,975 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services, Other. | - | |
| Surgical Technology/Technologist. | $44,394 | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $37,572 | |
| Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | $37,572 | |
| Operations Management and Supervision. | $37,572 | |
| E-Commerce/Electronic Commerce. | $37,572 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. | $49,220-$57,475 | |
| Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking. | $49,220-$57,475 | |
| Tool and Die Technology/Technician. | $49,220-$57,475 | |
| Welding Technology/Welder. | $49,220-$57,475 | |
| Precision Production, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design. | - | |
| Computer Support Specialist. | $46,197 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Robotics Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General. | $50,007 | |
| Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD. | $50,007 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Design. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Carpentry/Carpenter. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts/Chef Training. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Airline/Commercial/Professional Pilot and Flight Crew. | - | |
| Air Transportation, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Radiologic Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | - |
Students
6,106 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 51:49 · Freshman retention 67.2%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,607
- First-year undergraduates 499
- Transfers and others 4,000
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (6,106)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Student Demographics at Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
The 2023 enrollment data for Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology reveals interesting insights into the student composition. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 633, with a notable male-to-female ratio of 62.6% male and 37.4% female, indicating a significant male majority in this category. This trend may reflect broader societal patterns in specific fields of study that attract more male students, such as engineering and technology.
In contrast, the undergraduate juniors show a more balanced demographic, with 1,311 students comprising 48.6% male and 51.4% female. This near parity suggests a shift in gender representation, possibly influenced by university initiatives aimed at recruiting more female students into traditionally male-dominated programs.
The data for undergraduate transfer students reveals that there are 452 individuals, with a male ratio of 52.2% and a female ratio of 47.8%. This slight male majority aligns with the overall trend observed in the first-year students, although the gap is narrowing, indicating a gradual shift towards gender balance.
Finally, the total student population, which includes all classifications, stands at 2,625, with 56.2% male and 43.8% female. This overarching male dominance in the student body may prompt the university to consider additional strategies to promote inclusivity and diversity across all demographics.
In summary, while the university exhibits a strong male representation, particularly among freshmen and total enrollment, the emerging trends in junior and transfer student demographics suggest a potential for growth in female enrollment, reflecting ongoing efforts towards gender equity in education.
Student Age Composition at Wichita State University
The age distribution of students at Wichita State University in 2023 reveals some interesting trends. A significant proportion of students are under 18 years old, with 1233 male undergraduates and 977 female undergraduates. This highlights the university's appeal to younger students, possibly indicating a robust pipeline of high school graduates transitioning into higher education.
As we analyze the subsequent age brackets, it is clear that the number of students gradually decreases with age. The 18-19 age group retains a substantial number of students, with 517 males and 312 females. However, by the time we reach the 25-29 age group, we observe a shift where the number of female undergraduates (226) surpasses that of male undergraduates (188). This trend may reflect broader societal changes, where women are increasingly pursuing higher education and achieving academic success.
In the older age categories, particularly those 30 and above, the enrollment numbers are markedly lower, indicating that traditional undergraduate education tends to cater primarily to younger demographics. The numbers for graduate students are notably absent, which may suggest that the institution does not have a significant graduate program or that the focus is primarily on undergraduate education.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of continuing to support and attract students of all ages while also recognizing the shifting dynamics in gender representation within higher education. As the landscape of education evolves, it will be crucial for institutions to adapt and address the needs of diverse student populations.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
77 in 2025 · 1.5% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Trends at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
The data reveals a significant evolution in the presence of international students at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology over the years. Starting from a mere one international undergraduate student in 2006, there has been a noticeable increase in the total number of international students enrolled. By 2021, the university reached a peak of 90 international undergraduate students, which accounted for approximately 1.95% of the total undergraduate population. This marks a substantial growth compared to earlier years, indicating that the university has become increasingly attractive to international students.
However, the figure dropped to just 12 international students in 2023, representing only 0.24% of the undergraduate population. This decline raises questions about the factors influencing international enrollment, particularly in light of the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and changing immigration policies, which have affected students' ability to study abroad.
Moreover, the steady rise in total undergraduate numbers from 1,044 in 2006 to 5,021 in 2023 suggests that while more students are enrolling, the proportion of international students remains relatively low. This could imply a need for the university to reevaluate its strategies for attracting and retaining international talent.
Overall, while the initial years show promising growth in international representation, the recent data highlights the challenges faced in maintaining that momentum, suggesting a complex interplay of institutional strategies and external factors influencing international student enrollment.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$24,029
- Undergraduate tuition
- $7,237
- Room and board
- $16,792
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose -17% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 77%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$65.8M
Expenses$51.3M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Wichita State UniversityWichita · 4.6 mi
U.S. News #288
-
Kansas State UniversityManhattan · 104.8 mi
U.S. News #156
-
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater · 113.3 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of TulsaTulsa · 131.5 mi
U.S. News #148
-
University of KansasLawrence · 135.5 mi
U.S. News #148
-
University of Missouri--Kansas CityKansas City · 168.1 mi
U.S. News #250
-
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman · 176.5 mi
U.S. News #116
-
University of ArkansasFayetteville · 204.8 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln · 213.3 mi
U.S. News #169
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology:
-
Kansas State University - Ranked 170 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields.
-
University of Kansas - With a rank of 151, the University of Kansas is known for its strong research programs and diverse academic offerings.
-
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus - Ranked 124, this comprehensive university provides a vibrant campus life and is recognized for its academic excellence.
-
University of Arkansas - This university, ranked 178, is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and education.
-
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - With a rank of 159, this university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its research contributions.
-
Iowa State University - Ranked 115, Iowa State is recognized for its engineering and agricultural programs, as well as its commitment to research and innovation.
These institutions provide a wide array of opportunities for students in the region and contribute to the rich educational landscape surrounding Wichita State University.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Statistics at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
The crime statistics from Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology reveal a concerning trend, particularly in the years following 2013. For most of the period from 2013 to 2022, the university recorded no incidents of crime, which is commendable and suggests a relatively safe campus environment. However, there were instances in 2018 and 2019 where minor offenses were reported, specifically involving gun-related arrests. These incidents, while limited, highlight the importance of ongoing vigilance in campus security and student safety.
The overall crime rate, represented as incidents per 1,000 students, remained remarkably low, especially considering that the average for 2018 was just 0.23. This indicates a minimal impact on the student population, yet any crime, particularly those involving weapons or drugs, raises concerns about campus safety and the welfare of students.
Comparatively, many universities across the country face greater challenges with crime rates, often reporting a higher frequency of incidents. This situation underscores the significance of proactive measures in crime prevention and the necessity for educational institutions to foster an environment that prioritizes student safety.
While the data shows a commendable situation at Wichita State University, it is crucial for the institution to remain proactive in its safety protocols and continue fostering a secure environment for its students. The ongoing monitoring of crime statistics can serve as a valuable tool for enhancing campus safety initiatives.
For further information on crime rate calculation methods, you can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.