Friends University logo

Friends University

Wichita, KS Private ยท Urban www.friends.edu
Accept Rate
55.64%
Grad Rate
53.7%
Enrollment
1,015
Avg SAT
1014
Tuition
$32,748
Median Salary
$52,113
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Friends University feels like a close-knit community where everyone knows your name, set in the historic and beautiful Old Davis Administration Building. The atmosphere is supportive and personal, with a focus on Quaker values like integrity and community service. It's a place where you're not just a number, but part of a family.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

55.64%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 101475th Pctl
9151090
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2175th Pctl
1722
1122436

Admissions Tips

1) Highlight your involvement in community service, leadership, or arts in your application, as Friends values well-rounded individuals who fit their community-focused culture. 2) The test-optional policy is a key feature; if your SAT/ACT scores are below the 1014 average, consider applying without them and instead strengthen your personal essay and extracurriculars. 3) Connect directly with an admissions counselor to discuss your fit, as demonstrated interest can be beneficial in the holistic review process.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1014
40080012001600
School range: 915โ€“1090

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Friends University offers a strong liberal arts core with popular majors in Business, Biology, and Psychology, taught by accessible and dedicated faculty. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentorship from professors. While research opportunities are available, they are often more focused on undergraduate involvement than large-scale, graduate-level projects.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
27.9%
Biology & Biomedical
10.5%
Psychology
9.1%
Education
7.8%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
7.3%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.9%
Criminal Justice
4.1%
Health Professions
3.6%
Foreign Languages
2.3%
Computer Science
1.8%
Engineering
1.8%
Communications
1.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

53.7%
Graduation Rate
69.6%
Retention Rate
1,015
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$32,748
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$25,752
After financial aid
Total Cost
$44,401
Cost of attendance/year
33.7%
Receive Pell Grants
50%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Wichita

Wichita offers a vibrant city life with attractions like the Keeper of the Plains, Exploration Place (a science museum), and a revitalized Old Town district known for its breweries, restaurants, and live music. Students enjoy affordable entertainment options, from catching a Wichita Thunder hockey game to exploring the city's extensive park and riverwalk systems. The city's growing food scene and public art installations also provide plenty to do on weekends.

Local Rent Check

$774 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Wichita
Explore Wichita

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$130,992
$0Est. 4 Years: $130,992

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($52,113):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Friends University has its own campus security team that patrols 24/7, and the campus is generally considered safe. The surrounding area in Wichita is a typical urban environment, so students should practice standard city safety precautions like being aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty.
  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and supportive campus culture.
  • โœ“ Historic and aesthetically pleasing campus setting.
  • โœ“ Test-optional admissions policy.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are below the national average.
  • โœ— Tuition is higher than public universities, even though net price may be lower.
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment means fewer course offerings and clubs compared to large state schools.

Notable Alumni

Nate Schatzline
Founder of The Revive Church and a popular Christian TikTok influencer.
Joshua Young
Former professional basketball player who has played internationally.
Katherine Burgess
Award-winning journalist and reporter for the Wichita Eagle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Friends University is primarily known for its historic Old Davis Administration Building, a former Presbyterian church, and its Quaker heritage which emphasizes community, integrity, and service. Academically, it is recognized for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Biology, and Psychology within a supportive liberal arts environment.

No, Friends University is not considered highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 55.64%, the admissions process is moderately competitive. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 940 and 1080, but the university also employs a test-optional policy, considering the whole applicant beyond just test scores.

Campus life at Friends is intimate and community-focused due to its small enrollment of around 1,000 students. Students often describe it as a supportive, family-like atmosphere where it's easy to get involved in clubs, athletics (NCAA Division II), and campus events. While not a 'big party' school, the university fosters a close-knit social environment.

For many students, Friends University offers a solid return on investment. While the sticker price for tuition is over $32,000, the average net price is significantly lower at $25,752. Graduates see a 10-year median earnings of $52,113, which, combined with the personalized education and strong community support, makes it a valuable choice for students seeking a private university experience without the extreme cost of larger institutions.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Spirit AeroSystems Cox Communications University of Kansas Health System WSU Tech Wichita Public Schools
Smart Start Score
56

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,156
  • In-State Tuition $32,748
  • Zip Code 67213

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 50.8% โ™€ 49.2%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $25,752 and a Pell Grant rate of 33.7%, Friends University is relatively accessible for students from lower-income backgrounds. The 10-year median earnings of $52,113 provide a solid return on investment, especially considering the manageable debt load for many students. For a private university, it offers good value compared to higher-priced institutions with similar outcomes.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $32,748
Housing (12 mo) $9,288
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $49,236
With avg financial aid:
$25,752/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.