Wichita State students earned a record-breaking $39.2 million through applied learning in the 2025 academic year — a powerful testament to WSU’s hands-on approach to career readiness and its role in strengthening the Kansas workforce.
That marks an 11% increase from the previous year’s $35.3 million. And more students than ever are receiving these opportunities, with 12,328 applied learning experiences — a 31% jump over last year’s 9,397 — through paid, resume-building work with area businesses, organizations, on-campus positions and Innovation Campus companies, all while still pursuing their degrees.
The record gains come as Wichita State’s celebrates its fifth straight year of enrollment growth, with more than 18,458 students enrolled at its main campus this fall. University leaders say the growth reflects the appeal of applied learning, which has become central to WSU’s mission of providing affordable education with real-world value.
“This work changes lives,” Wichita State President Rick Muma said. “Applied learning equips our students with the skills and competence to make immediate and meaningful contributions to their employers immediately after graduation.”