7 Colleges in Wichita, KS: Your Guide to Higher Education

Wichita, Kansas, is a vibrant city with a diverse population and a thriving economy.

It is home to several colleges and universities, offering a wide range of educational opportunities for students of all ages and interests.

1. Wichita State University

Wichita State University (WSU) is the largest university in Wichita, with an enrollment of over 15,000 students. WSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including programs in business, education, engineering, fine arts, and health sciences. WSU is also a major research university, with over $100 million in research expenditures annually.

WSU highlights:

• Ranked among the top 300 universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
• Offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs
• Has a strong research program
• Is located in the heart of Wichita

2. Newman University

Newman University is a private Catholic university with an enrollment of over 2,000 students. Newman offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, education, and nursing. Newman is also home to the St. Joseph Spirituality Center, which offers retreats and workshops for spiritual growth.

Newman highlights:

• Private Catholic university
• Offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs
• Has a strong liberal arts tradition
• Is located in a quiet neighborhood near downtown Wichita

3. Friends University

Friends University is a private Quaker university with an enrollment of over 2,000 students. Friends offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, education, and health sciences. Friends is also home to the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, which offers programs and research on peace and conflict resolution.

Friends highlights:

• Private Quaker university
• Offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs
• Has a strong commitment to peace and social justice
• Is located in a residential neighborhood in northeast Wichita

4. Bethel College

Bethel College is a private Mennonite university with an enrollment of over 500 students. Bethel offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, education, and nursing. Bethel is also home to the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, which offers programs and research on Mennonite history and culture.

Bethel highlights:

• Private Mennonite university
• Offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs
• Has a strong commitment to community service
• Is located in a quiet neighborhood in north Wichita

5. Southwestern College

Southwestern College is a private liberal arts college with an enrollment of over 1,000 students. Southwestern offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, education, and nursing. Southwestern is also home to the Southwestern College Museum, which houses a collection of art, history, and natural history exhibits.

Southwestern highlights:

• Private liberal arts college
• Offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs
• Has a strong commitment to the liberal arts
• Is located in a small town in south-central Kansas

6. Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson Community College (HCC) is a public community college with an enrollment of over 5,000 students. HCC offers associate degrees and certificates in a variety of fields, including arts and sciences, business, education, and health sciences. HCC also offers a variety of workforce training programs.

HCC highlights:

• Public community college
• Offers associate degrees and certificates
• Has a variety of workforce training programs
• Is located in the city of Hutchinson, Kansas

7. Butler Community College

Butler Community College (BCC) is a public community college with an enrollment of over 5,000 students. BCC offers associate degrees and certificates in a variety of fields, including arts and sciences, business, education, and health sciences. BCC also offers a variety of workforce training programs.

BCC highlights:

• Public community college
• Offers associate degrees and certificates
• Has a variety of workforce training programs
• Is located in the city of El Dorado, Kansas

Which college is right for you?

The best college for you will depend on your individual needs and interests. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

• Location: Do you want to attend a college in a large city, a small town, or a rural area?
• Size: Do you want to attend a large university or a small college?
• Academics: What are your academic interests? What kind of degree program are you looking for?
• Cost: How much can you afford to spend on college?
• Campus life: What kind of campus life are you looking for? Do you want a college with a lot of student activities or a more laid-back atmosphere?

Once you have considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your choices. Visit the websites of the colleges that you are interested in and schedule a campus tour. This will give you a chance to meet with faculty and staff, learn more about the academic programs, and see what the campus is like.

Table 1: College enrollment in Wichita, Kansas

Table 2: College costs in Wichita, Kansas