Qualifying new students can take up to 15 credit hours of eligible General Education courses in the Spring 2027 semester. 

WICHITA, Kan. – Oct. 29, 2026 – Students who have put off college because of cost, or because they aren’t sure what to study, now have a way to get started this January with tuition covered. Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) is launching Freshman 15, a new scholarship that covers tuition for up to 15 credit hours of eligible General Education courses for qualifying new students in the Spring 2027 semester.

“We know there are people in our community who want to start college but keep putting it off. For some, it’s the cost. For others, it’s not knowing what to study,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech. “We don’t want either one to be the reason someone waits. Freshman 15 gives them a way to start this January with tuition covered and find their direction along the way.”

A typical General Education course is three credit hours, so qualifying students could take up to five classes at no tuition cost. The list includes more than 40 courses, from familiar subjects like:

  • English Composition I
  • General Psychology
  • Public Speaking
  • College Algebra

To options such as:

  • Medical Terminology
  • Spanish I
  • Microeconomics

(See a complete list of general education classes HERE)

The credits students earn can also go with them. Many Freshman 15 courses are approved through the Kansas Board of Regents Systemwide Transfer program, so credits earned at WSU Tech can transfer to Kansas public colleges and universities that offer equivalent courses.

Students don’t need a major picked out to get started. They can come in undecided and use their credits to complete general education requirements, prepare for a technical program, continue toward a degree at WSU Tech, or build a foundation for transferring to a university. Students interested in a Wichita State degree can explore Shocker Pathway, a partnership that lets them begin general education courses at WSU Tech and earn an associate degree from Wichita State University.

Freshman 15 is available for the Spring 2027 semester only, and the number of scholarships is limited. To qualify, students must be new to WSU Tech as an adult student and enroll in at least six credit hours. Students who took WSU Tech classes while in high school may still qualify. The scholarship covers tuition only, not books, supplies, or fees.

With classes starting in January and limited scholarships available, students are encouraged to apply early. The first step is the Freshman 15 scholarship application. From there, a WSU Tech advisor will help each student choose courses, find the right pathway, and complete enrollment and financial aid steps.

To apply and see full eligibility details, including financial aid requirements, visit www.WSUTECH.edu/Freshman15.

Freshman 15 logo PACK ON THE CREDITS

About WSU Tech

As Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, WSU Tech stands at the forefront of modern technical education in Kansas, offering over 100 degree and certificate options. These programs cover critical fields such as aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, culinary arts, business, and more. WSU Tech operates four campuses and serves as the managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS—a city known for its high concentration of STEM jobs.

In 2018, Wichita State University, Kansas’ urban public research university, affiliated with WSU Tech, enhancing the institution’s student-centered focus and aligning with Wichita State’s dedication to innovation and applied learning. This partnership has created a comprehensive educational environment that supports student achievement and meets the evolving needs of industries in the urban heart of Kansas and beyond.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and as a Kansas Board of Regents institution, WSU Tech upholds high academic standards and equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong success and career readiness.

For more information on how WSU Tech shapes the future of technical education and contributes to the workforce in Kansas and beyond, please visit www.WSUTECH.edu. Follow WSU Tech on social media: Facebook| LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | X (Twitter) | TikTok