For the seventh year in a row, Wichita State is the No. 1 destination for students transferring from Kansas community colleges to public state universities, according to data released in February from the Kansas Board of Regents.

KBOR’s analysis shows that Wichita State enrolled 24.3 percent of all 3,754 Kansas community college transfers in 2016, the most recent numbers available.

In fact, WSU has led the pack since 2010, enrolling 6,736 of all Kansas transfer students. Most recently, the university has been the top transfer destination for transfers from Butler, Cowley, Hutchinson and Pratt community colleges.

What makes the difference?

Community college students who consider Wichita State find that there are many processes in place specifically designed for them. Admissions professionals are available to walk them through the application process, and there is a straight-forward transfer scholarship awarding practice.

In addition, university staff regularly visit community colleges throughout the state, giving prospective students multiple opportunities to hear more about WSU while not having to leave their current campus.

Transfer students also can often jump into real-world experience opportunities and hone their resumes by connecting immediately with the university’s Career Development Center.

And key stakeholders – community college academic advisors – are engaged in the entire recruitment process.

This spring, WSU also launched a Transfer Gateway, a student-facing website designed to engage prospective transfer students, answer their key questions and keep them on track to enroll.

Students can use the portal to compare majors and associated career paths to determine their best fit. They also can enter prior coursework and get an estimate of their transferable credits. An enrollment checklist gives students a customized list of key events and deadlines.

“Transfer students have many wonderful options to choose from in Kansas, so we take great pride in their selection of Wichita State as their next collegiate home,” says Admissions Director Bobby Gandu. “We think community college students have found the right blend of academic programs, applied learning opportunities and student life on our campus and in the city of Wichita.”