Wichita State is truly a hidden gem. Located in the heart of the Midwest and the largest city in Kansas, Wichita State offers an affordable college experience with unbeatable applied learning opportunities and a vibrant campus community. What isn’t there to love? Keep reading to see the reasons Wichita State stole my heart—and will steal yours, too!

As an admissions staff member, I often get asked, “Why did you choose Wichita State?” The answer is simple - it felt like home. From the moment I stepped onto campus for my first visit, I was greeted with warm smiles and friendly waves. Everyone I met genuinely cared about me and my future. They weren’t just focused on convincing me to come to Wichita State, but on helping me choose a college that would help me reach my goals. And in doing so, they completely sold me on Wichita State.

Another reason I love Wichita State is its emphasis on applied learning. While I attended Wichita State, I completed four internships, worked in two research labs, tackled two service-learning projects, and took a capstone course that connected my work experience to my education. Why does this matter? I graduated college with a full resume, which led to multiple job offers and enabled me to quickly launch my career.

And my experience is common! Every degree at Wichita State has opportunities for applied learning, internships or research experience. Shockers get the chance to work side-by-side with established professionals, building a network, confidence and a strong resume before graduation. Plus, 96 percent of internship placements are paid, which enables Shockers to earn money while gaining valuable, professional experience!

Wichita State prides itself on its affordability and accessibility. As the most affordable research institution in Kansas, Wichita State works to keep costs down for its students by providing more than $100 million in scholarships and financial aid each year. Plus, Wichita State offers automatic, renewable merit scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students ranging from $4,000 to $24,000. Additionally, many out-of-state students have access to tuition discounts—saving them upwards of $9,300 each year!

Wichita State’s affordability and accessibility attracts students from all walks of life - making Wichita State the most diverse university in Kansas. Shockers come from over 110 countries. Additionally, more than 40 percent of Shockers are first-generation college students. And Wichita State was recently named an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 20 percent of its students hailing from Hispanic backgrounds.

With more than 200 student organizations and over 800 annual on-campus and community events, Wichita State has something for everyone. Students can get involved by playing intramural sports, joining the Taylor Swift club, going Greek, attending athletics and fine arts events (for free!), being a Student Ambassador and more! And if there isn't an organization that piques your interest, you can start your own club!

The biggest reason I love Wichita State is the people. With a student population of 16,921, Wichita State is large enough to have a diverse student body, but small enough that students can make connections and build a community. During my time at Wichita State, I’ve made lifelong friends and connections, and with every new person I meet, I fall more in love with the Shocker community.

So, if you’re looking for a university that you can call home, fall in love with and build a community in, Wichita State is the place for you! But don’t just take my word for it, experience it for yourself. Schedule a campus visit and discover all the reasons why you love Shocker Nation.