2.15.24

WSU and WSU Tech fall 2023 enrollment reaches all-time high

In September, the Kansas Board of Regents announced its fall enrollment data, and this year we have accomplished a feat not seen in Shocker Nation since 1989: our highest all-time enrollment at Wichita State University.

Our official headcount stands at 17,548 on our Wichita State main campus. And when we include the students from WSU Tech, our total enrollment across all locations has surged to an impressive 23,203 Shockers!

This achievement was only possible through all of Shocker Nation’s hard work and unwavering commitment to excellence. For that, I express my sincerest gratitude to all of you.

Once we dig down into those numbers, we can find some interesting and valuable insights that help us better understand our student body. In particular, there are a few highlights from 2023 that deserve special mention.

Student persistence: Fall-to-fall persistence among undergraduate first-time-in-college, full-time freshmen returning to Wichita State has risen by a substantial 2.8%. This milestone underscores our commitment to guiding our students toward success. Much of this increase can be attributed to our Student Success and Persistence initiative, which was launched last year. These statistics go to the core of our responsibilities as educators and reflect our role as trusted stewards of our students’ academic journeys and potential.

Out-of-state students: The number of new students from Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas has increased by an impressive 4.8%. This growth is a direct result of WSU’s Shocker City and Shocker Select programs, which offer in-state or reduced tuition to students in 13 other states. It’s not just a testament to our reputation for excellence but also a positive indicator that we are attracting talent to the state of Kansas. Moreover, around half of these out-of-state students choose to stay in Kansas after graduation, emphasizing the program’s effectiveness in retaining talent within the state.

First-generation students: The report also showcases growth in first-generation undergraduate degree-seeking freshmen, bringing WSU’s overall first-generation population to an impressive 46%. This statistic reflects our dedication to making higher education accessible and affordable. We are proud of the inclusive culture we have nurtured at Wichita State, which welcomes and supports those who are pioneering the path as the first in their family to attend college.

Wichita State’s 128-year journey has been a remarkable one; and together, we can continue to build and grow to the benefit of our students, our community and our state.