Computer Science at Wichita State sits alongside WSU's Aerospace Engineering, Business, and Nursing programs, drawing on the same applied-learning model that runs across the university, internships, co-ops, and industry-sponsored research through WSU's Innovation Campus. Unlike Aerospace Engineering's direct ties to Boeing and Textron Aviation, Computer Science graduates connect into a broader, more geographically distributed tech employer base.
This article covers the acceptance picture, cost, admission requirements, English-test rules, and career outcomes for Computer Science at WSU.
Acceptance Rate
WSU does not publish a Computer-Science-specific acceptance rate. Admission follows WSU's general undergraduate process, which offers two paths: Option 1 (grades-based), requiring only final high school transcripts with no SAT/ACT needed, or Option 2 (test-based), requiring a combined SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing + Math score of 1060 or higher, or an ACT composite of 21 or higher.
WSU markets itself as the region's most affordable research university and Kansas's #1 transfer destination for 12 consecutive years, both pointing to an admissions model built around access rather than exclusivity. Graduate Computer Science admission is run through WSU's Graduate School on a decentralized, department-by-department basis.
Fees and Cost of Attendance
Computer Science students pay WSU's standard international undergraduate cost structure.
| Cost item (9-month academic year) | Without scholarship | With Global Select Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Total estimated cost | ~$36,300/year | ~$30,800/year |
Breaking down the $36,300 figure: tuition & fees approximately $20,100, housing & meals approximately $12,700, books approximately $1,200, and mandatory medical insurance approximately $2,300. New international students also pay a one-time $200 International Enrollment Fee and $150 Orientation Fee. For the full university-wide cost picture and graduate tuition caveats, see the Wichita State guide.
Admission Requirements
- Completed application through WSU's international application portal
- Final official high school transcripts (Option 1) or qualifying SAT/ACT scores (Option 2)
- Certification of Financial Support and supporting bank statement or financial documents
- Copy of passport photo page
- English proficiency test results, or eligibility for conditional admission via the Intensive English Language Center (see below); WSU explicitly does not require an English score at the time of application
How to Get Into WSU's Computer Science Program
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Use Option 1 if your high school transcript is strong, since it skips standardized testing entirely, a meaningfully lower bar than most US universities expect from international applicants.
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If you need Option 2, hit the section minimums, not just the composite score. A strong overall score with one weak section can still fall short of WSU's published requirement.
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Use the Intensive English Language Center if your English score isn't there yet. Students who meet WSU's academic requirements but fall short of the English minimums are placed into conditional admission, then transition into Computer Science once proficiency is met.
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Look into the Global Select Scholarship early, since it reduces WSU's estimated international undergraduate cost of attendance by roughly $5,500/year.
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Clear the English proficiency bar with margin, since Computer Science coursework carries a real technical writing and project-documentation load.
English Proficiency Requirement (IELTS/TOEFL)
Computer Science follows WSU's standard undergraduate English proficiency minimums; there is no separately published Computer-Science-specific override in the sources reviewed.
Full-time academic admission
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 72 (before Jan 21, 2026); 4 on the redesigned scale (from that date) |
| PTE Academic | 49 |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 |
WSU does not require a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score to be submitted with the initial application; students can take WSU's own English Proficiency Examination on arrival instead. For the full conditional-admission range, see the Wichita State guide.
Career Outcomes
Computer Science graduates from WSU move into software development, systems analysis, and IT roles, benefiting from WSU's Innovation Campus and its applied-learning model of internships and industry-sponsored capstone projects. A single, confirmed Computer-Science-specific employment rate or starting salary was not found from a primary WSU source during this research; WSU's strongest, most citable career outcomes data sits with its aerospace and engineering programs, given the Wichita region's aircraft manufacturing concentration, rather than with Computer Science specifically.
Computer Science is STEM-designated, qualifying graduates for the standard 12-month OPT period plus the 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to three years of US work authorization after graduation.
FAQ
Does WSU publish an acceptance rate for Computer Science? No. Computer Science follows WSU's general undergraduate process, which offers a grades-based option (no SAT/ACT required) or a test-based option.
How much does Computer Science cost at WSU for international students? The same as WSU's general undergraduate rate: approximately $36,300/year without scholarship, or $30,800/year with the Global Select Scholarship.
What IELTS or TOEFL score do I need for WSU Computer Science? WSU's university-wide minimums: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 72 (4 on the redesigned scale from January 2026).
Can I skip submitting an English test score when I apply? Yes. WSU allows you to take its own English Proficiency Examination on arrival instead of submitting a score with your application.
Does WSU Computer Science qualify for STEM OPT? Yes. It is STEM-designated, so graduates qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of standard 12-month OPT.