Driven by the largest freshman class in university history, combined enrollment by headcount across all Wichita State University locations for fall 2026 is 24,640, according to annual data released today by the Kansas Board of Regents.
Wichita State’s main campus enrolled 18,003 students this fall, marking the second-highest enrollment total in its 131-year history. WSU Tech also reported its second-highest fall headcount at 6,637 students, while reaching record credit hours and full-time equivalency (FTE).
Overall, Wichita State’s main campus enrollment dropped by 455 students, or 2.5%. While enrollment increased among several domestic student populations, those gains were offset by declines in graduate enrollment, driven in large part by a 23.9% decrease in international students. Graduate enrollment declined 16.2% overall. Additionally, overall student credit-hour production fell 1.5% from 170,521 to 167,899.
“This year’s enrollment reflects both the opportunities and challenges facing higher education,” said Wichita State President Rick Muma. “We’re proud to welcome the largest first-time-in-college freshman class in our history while continuing to see growth among students from Sedgwick County, our partner states and our dual-credit programs. Those trends show that domestic students and families continue to recognize the value of a Wichita State education and the opportunities available through applied learning, career preparation and student support.”
WSU Tech continued to see strong demand for its workforce-focused programs, setting new records in fall 2026. Student credit hours increased 2.4% to an all-time high of 61,665, resulting in a record FTE enrollment of 4,111. Adult enrollment also reached an all-time high of 3,302 students, reflecting continued demand for career training and credential programs that support Kansas employers and workforce needs.
