
Wichita, KSprivate nonprofitwww.newmanu.edu/
Newman University, a small Catholic institution in Wichita, Kansas, punches above its weight with a surprisingly robust biology program and a tight-knit, faith-infused campus culture. While its 47-74% acceptance rate (sources vary) makes it accessible, Newman struggles with middling graduation rates (54-56%)—yet students who stick around rave about the hands-on faculty and community feel.
Newman University's admissions process leans toward accessibility, with reported Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. ranging from 47.6% (PrepScholar) to 74% (US News)—likely reflecting different applicant pools or reporting methods. The middle 50% of admitted students typically score between 17-25 on the ACT or 930-1,210 on the SAT (College Raptor). Notably, female applicants face slightly higher selectivity at 74% acceptance (Peterson's) compared to the overall rate. No early admission policy is documented in available sources.
Biology dominates at Newman with 165 declared majors—over five times more popular than runner-up psychology (30 majors). The 13:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentorship, though freshman retention sits at a modest 70%. Recent academic shakeups added 10 new programs including agribusiness and computer science, signaling a push toward career-aligned fields. The 'Exploratory Program' helps undecided students discover majors—a smart move given Newman's vocational tilt.
With 58.9% female undergrads (fall 2023), Newman's 2,398 students cluster in three residence halls—Beata, Carrocci, and Fugate—that foster what the catalog calls 'intellectual and social development.' The vibe leans communal and faith-based, echoing sister school Carson-Newman's emphasis on Bible studies and close-knit dorms. Campus life pitches itself as 'more than classes,' emphasizing relationship-building, though concrete traditions go unmentioned in available sources.
Newman's 56% six-year graduation rate (US News) lags behind national averages, with Pell Grant recipients faring worse at 41%. Only 48% finish within four years (Data USA). These numbers suggest students may need extra support—whether academic or financial—to cross the finish line. The university transparently shares this data, a positive sign for improvement-minded leadership.
Newman's Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator (2026-27 estimate) suggests aggressive discounting, though exact tuition figures are absent from available sources. Aid packages blend need-based grants with merit scholarships, with full-time enrollment required for most awards. The glossary's definition of net price—'what the student is expected to pay after grants'—hints at a tuition-dependent model common at small privates.
Newman's unexpected strength in biology—a rarity for small faith-based schools—makes it a dark horse for pre-health students wanting close faculty contact. The 13:1 ratio and Wichita's medical hubs (via Ascension Via Christi hospitals) provide clinical opportunities atypical for a college of its size. While graduation rates need work, Newman's honesty about outcomes and recent program expansions show a institution actively retooling for student success.