Wright State University-Main Campus

Dayton, OH · Public

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95.2%
Acceptance
1040
SAT
$31,430
Sticker Price
$15,828
Net Price*
$49,500
Earnings
4.4 yrs
Payback
8,894
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

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What is Wright State University-Main Campus's acceptance rate?

Up 0.3 percentage points since 2018

With a 95.2% acceptance rate, Wright State University-Main Campus is considered accessible. The school has become slightly less competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Wright State University-Main Campus?

Wright State University-Main Campus received 8,894 applications in 2023, up 53% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 17% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Wright State University-Main Campus?

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing leads as the most popular major at Wright State University-Main Campus. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Wright State University-Main Campus?

Out-of-state tuition has increased by 20% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 17% from $26,964 to $31,430.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do Wright State University-Main Campus graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Mechanical Engineering earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $64,307 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Mechanical Engineering $64,307
$9,348 $155,297
Electrical, Electronics and Co... $62,260
$9,348 $155,297
Computer and Information Scien... $60,096
$9,348 $155,297
Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $58,494
$9,348 $155,297
Computer Engineering $58,092
$9,348 $155,297
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Sc... $53,358
$9,348 $155,297
Management Information Systems... $49,312
$9,348 $155,297
Biomedical/Medical Engineering $48,667
$9,348 $155,297
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Wright State University-Main Campus Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 8,894 8,463 95.2% 17.3%
2022 7,162 6,820 95.2% 18.8%
2021 6,338 6,087 96.0% 18.6%
2020 5,226 4,998 95.6% 23.6%
2019 5,849 5,583 95.5% 24.6%
2018 5,820 5,523 94.9% 34.8%
2017 5,826 5,638 96.8% 40.5%
2016 5,892 5,612 95.3% 40.8%
2015 5,560 5,336 96.0% 44.9%

Is Wright State University-Main Campus worth it?

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What do Wright State University-Main Campus graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$49,500
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$11,700 $49,500 median $75,300

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $11,700 while the top 10% earn $75,300. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$42,229
Median Debt
$22,750
6-Year Graduation Rate
45.9%

How much does Wright State University-Main Campus cost?

The total cost of attendance at Wright State University-Main Campus is approximately $31,430 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$9,962
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,380
Fees
$50
Room & Board
$12,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$31,430

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $10,987
$30-48k income $11,722
$48-75k income $15,828
$75-110k income $19,191
$110k+ income $20,250

Which majors pay the most?

  • Mechanical Engineering $64,307
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $62,260
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General $60,096
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $58,494
  • Computer Engineering $58,092

Who attends Wright State University-Main Campus?

Wright State University-Main Campus enrolls 9,884 students, with 12% from outside the United States. Women make up 54% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 9,884
Retention Rate 63%
International 12%
Women 54%
Race/Ethnicity
White 64%
Black 10%
Asian 4%
Hispanic 4%

How much financial aid is available?

74% of students receive some form of financial aid at Wright State University-Main Campus. About 33% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 74%
Avg: $7,466 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 33%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 42%
Avg: $6,758
School's Own Grants 84%
Avg: $4,088 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Wright State University-Main Campus are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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