Friends University

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Campus life at Friends University reflects both its Christian heritage and its location serving many adult and commuter students. Traditional undergraduates living on campus experience residence hall community, student government, and extracurricular activities. The campus sits on about 60 acres in a residential Wichita neighborhood, creating a defined campus environment while remaining connected to the city. Chapel services and spiritual programming invite participation without requiring attendance. Athletic teams compete at the NAIA level, with men's and women's sports generating student interest and school spirit. The Singing Quakers, a select choral ensemble, maintains a tradition of performance that represents the university regionally. Student organizations serve various interests from service groups to academic clubs to recreational activities. Many undergraduate students work part-time while enrolled, balancing employment with coursework. Graduate and adult students often attend classes in the evenings while maintaining careers and family responsibilities. The university provides support services including tutoring, counseling, and career guidance. Campus dining operates in centralized facilities serving residential students and commuters. The compact campus means moving between classes takes minimal time. Social events and traditions create community among those who participate, though the commuter population means not everyone engages equally with campus life.

Location & Surroundings

Wichita, Kansas surrounds the Friends University campus, providing access to a metropolitan area of over 600,000 people. The city serves as a center for aviation manufacturing, with companies like Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and Airbus operations employing thousands. Healthcare represents another major sector, with Wesley Medical Center and Ascension Via Christi among the region's largest employers. Students can find part-time work and internships across these and other industries. The Old Town district offers entertainment, dining, and nightlife in a walkable area near downtown. Museums include the Wichita Art Museum and Exploration Place science center. The Arkansas River runs through the city, with parks and trails along its banks. The cost of living in Wichita runs lower than coastal cities or major metropolitan areas, making housing and daily expenses more manageable. The climate features hot summers, cold winters, and the occasional tornado watch during spring storm season. The campus location in a residential neighborhood provides a quieter setting than downtown while remaining connected to city amenities. Students with cars can reach grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues easily. Interstate highways connect Wichita to Kansas City, Oklahoma City, and Denver for longer trips.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at Friends University reflects private institution costs, with annual charges around $30,000 for traditional undergraduate programs. Room and board add several thousand more for residential students. Financial aid packages reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly for most students, with scholarships based on academic achievement, talent, and financial need. The university works to make education accessible despite the higher sticker price of private education, helping families find ways to afford the personalized attention and values-based education Friends provides. Graduates enter careers in education, business, healthcare, fine arts, and helping professions, carrying the skills and values developed during their Friends education. The Wichita location connects graduates to employment in aviation, healthcare, and business sectors that define the regional economy. Education alumni teach in Kansas schools, often returning to communities where they grew up. Business graduates find positions in local companies and organizations or use their preparation for opportunities elsewhere. Fine arts alumni pursue creative careers as performers, designers, and arts educators. Career services support students through internship placement and job search preparation, connecting them with employers who value the complete education Friends provides. The small alumni network creates close connections, with graduates often helping each other professionally.

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