WSU Tech Achieves Historic Enrollment Growth, Surpassing Strategic Goals and Setting New Records

Wichita, KS – Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) continues to build on its momentum after a record-breaking Fall 2024 semester, marking another historic milestone with the largest enrollment in the college’s history in both credit hours and total headcount. Spring 2025 enrollment data shows a 9.2% increase in credit hours and a 10.4% increase in overall headcount, with 6,503 students enrolled, surpassing the college’s strategic goal of 6,500 students—three years ahead of schedule.

This achievement is a direct reflection of WSU Tech’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and accessible education.

The Spring 2025 semester marks:

• The largest semester overall in WSU Tech’s history for both total credit hours and total headcount.
• The largest high school semester in credit hours and headcount, driven by increased participation in FutureReady Centers and Excel in CTE funding.
• The largest adult Spring semester in credit hours and headcount, showcasing the college’s growing appeal among adult learners seeking career-focused education.

Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech, emphasized the significance of this growth:
“These record-breaking enrollment numbers reinforce what we have always known: technical education is a game-changer for students and our workforce. The demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, and WSU Tech is meeting that demand by providing high-quality, affordable education that leads to real careers. Surpassing our strategic goal years ahead of schedule is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and industry partners who are committed to transforming lives through education.”

High School Enrollment Reaches New Heights, Fueled by FutureReady Centers

WSU Tech’s enrollment growth has been particularly strong among high school students, with the largest high school enrollment in both credit hours and headcount. This success is largely attributed to the expansion of FutureReady Centers, a partnership with Wichita Public Schools, the City of Wichita, and WSU Tech, which provide high school students with hands-on, career-focused education, as well as the state’s Excel in CTE (Career and Technical Education) funding.

Over the past several years, FutureReady Center enrollment has more than doubled:

• Total enrollment: 189 (2023) → 416 (2025)
• Healthcare programs: 53 (2023) → 258 (2025)
• Manufacturing programs: 136 (2023) → 158 (2025)

Jena Roth, Dean of High School Partnerships, credited the State of Kansas for its commitment to investing in career and technical education:
“The FutureReady Centers are helping high school students gain career skills earlier than ever, and we’re seeing the results with record enrollment. Thanks to the support of the State of Kansas and their continued funding for Excel in CTE, more students have access to tuition-free technical education and early access to industry engagement, setting them up for success in high-demand fields. We are incredibly grateful for the state’s investment in these programs, which is making a life-changing impact for students across Kansas.”

Adult Enrollment Sees Significant Gains, Strengthened by Kansas Promise Scholarship

Alongside high school growth, adult enrollment in the Spring semester also reached an all-time high, with strong participation from traditional first-time freshmen, career changers, and working professionals looking to upskill or enter new industries.

Enrollment by division saw notable increases, with:

• Aviation up 7.06%
• Manufacturing up 4.3%
• Health Sciences up 3.2%

A key driver of adult enrollment growth is the Kansas Promise scholarship, a scholarship program funded by the State of Kansas that provides tuition assistance to Kansas residents pursuing high-demand careers in fields such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT, and more. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and required materials for eligible students attending Kansas technical and community colleges.

To date, for the 2024-2025 school year at WSU Tech, 686 students have received Kansas Promise scholarships totaling $ 2,930,176 in funding.

Since its launch in the 2021-2022 school year, the program has provided $5.9 million in scholarships to 1,608 WSU Tech students, supporting career training in critical industries across Kansas.

Kansas Promise scholarship recipients by academic year at WSU Tech:

• 2021-2022: 160 students, $563,566 awarded
• 2022-2023: 251 students, $1,000,710 awarded
• 2023-2024: 511 students, $2,855,079 awarded
• 2024-2025 (to date): 686 students, $ 2,930,176 awarded

This state-funded initiative has played a pivotal role in expanding access to technical education, ensuring that more Kansans can gain the skills needed for in-demand jobs. Justin Pfeifer, Vice President of Student Success, noted the importance of this momentum:
“Every new student at WSU Tech represents an opportunity to change their future. Whether they are a high school student getting a head start on their career or an adult looking to upskill, we are proud to provide accessible, high-quality education that meets the needs of our students and the workforce. These enrollment numbers confirm that students recognize the value of technical education, and we remain focused on supporting them every step of the way.”

Looking Ahead

With record-breaking enrollment and a continued focus on industry-driven education, WSU Tech is poised for even greater success in the years ahead. The college remains committed to expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and preparing students for the workforce needs of today and the future.

This achievement would not be possible without the collaboration and support of the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, and our industry partners, who continue to invest in workforce development and student success. Their commitment, alongside the State of Kansas’ investment in technical education, ensures that more students have access to the training and education needed to fill high-demand jobs.

Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech, expressed gratitude for this ongoing support:
“We are incredibly grateful to the State of Kansas for its investment in technical education. Their support of initiatives like Excel in CTE and Kansas Promise and the City of Wichita’s support for the FutureReady Centers is changing lives, strengthening our workforce, and driving economic growth. Together, we are building a brighter future for students and our state.”

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 hub, 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.