By Strategic Communications
Wichita State University’s efforts to transform the educational experience for students and redefine the role of a university to foster statewide economic growth have yielded remarkable results: the highest enrollment in its 128-year history.
Combined enrollment by headcount across all Wichita State University locations for fall 2023 is 23,203, according to the annual data released today by the Kansas Board of Regents.
For the Wichita State campus, the numbers represent an increase of 3.7% in fall student headcount from 16,921 in 2022 to 17,548 in 2023. That’s the largest number of students ever choosing to enroll at Wichita State.
At WSU Tech, student headcount increased 12.6% from 5,021 last year to 5,655 this year — also the highest headcount ever for WSU Tech.
“As we celebrate our highest enrollments ever at Wichita State and WSU Tech, we are experiencing firsthand the limitless potential of Shocker Nation,” said Wichita State President Rick Muma. “This success can be wholly attributed to our steadfast commitment to the people and businesses of Kansas, as we create an affordable and accessible educational experience for our students, fuel the talent pipeline for employers, and support the economic growth of our state. Together, we are forging a brighter future for all Kansans.”
Much of Wichita State’s enrollment success has been largely driven by the Kansas Legislature’s recent investment of more than $6 million to Wichita State, allowing the university to provide scholarships for students to pursue their dreams, grow their education, and ultimately achieve their career goals.
Wichita State enrollment highlights
WSU Tech enrollment highlights
“Our remarkable enrollment growth at WSU Tech is a testament to our unwavering commitment to accessible, high-quality education,” said WSU Tech President Dr. Sheree Utash. “As we see more students choosing us to pursue their dreams, we are also fulfilling our mission to meet the workforce needs of our region, preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.”
Several key programs and initiatives contributed to the enrollment growth at both institutions.
Wichita State University program successes
WSU Tech program successes
“The extraordinary and dedicated faculty and staff of Wichita State have worked diligently to build programs that meet the academic needs of our students and the employment needs of our state’s businesses and industries,” said Wichita State Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Shirley Lefever. “These kinds of historic increases speak to our institution’s remarkable responsiveness to the needs of our community, and we will continue to be agile and vigilant in our efforts to advance our state’s economic prosperity through education and research. It truly is a great time to be a Shocker!”
Read full details of the Kansas Board of Regents enrollment report
Wichita State University is Kansas’ only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.
Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.
The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.
For more information, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/wichitastate and Facebook at www.facebook.com/wichita.state.
Click image for larger version
© 2023 Wichita State University