At $23,369/yr net price, Kansas Wesleyan University graduates earn $51,152/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,152/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,369 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,476 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,152/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,152/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,098/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,369/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,994/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,583/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,027/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,560 | $26,250 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
38.5% of students at Kansas Wesleyan University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Kansas Wesleyan University delivers weak financial returns that make it hard to justify for most students. With median earnings of $51,152 ten years after graduation and a net price of $23,369 annually, you're looking at a payback period that stretches well beyond what stronger regional competitors offer.
The nursing program stands out as the only financially viable option, producing graduates who earn $46,087 annually. However, even this relatively strong program falls short of nursing salaries at comparable regional schools. Education majors face particularly poor prospects, earning just $36,560 while carrying $26,250 in debt. The physical education program produces concerning outcomes, with graduates earning only $25,194 annually.
Kansas Wesleyan's 38.5% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly two-thirds of students who start here either transfer or drop out, often with debt but no degree. The 59.8% retention rate signals that many students recognize the poor value proposition after their first year.
This school might work for you if you're pursuing nursing and receive substantial merit aid that brings your actual costs well below the published net price. However, most students should look elsewhere. Kansas community colleges offer better value for education majors, while stronger private schools in the region provide better career outcomes for similar costs.
The financial aid picture offers little hope for improvement. With only 40.8% of students receiving aid, Kansas Wesleyan appears to rely heavily on full-pay students rather than providing meaningful affordability assistance. Unless you receive significant merit scholarships that cut your costs dramatically, the return on investment simply doesn't add up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas Wesleyan University worth the cost?
Kansas Wesleyan's return on investment is mixed, with graduates earning $51,152 after 10 years against a net price of $23,369 annually. The low 38.5% graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees, making the investment risky.
What are the best paying majors at Kansas Wesleyan University?
Nursing programs offer the strongest financial returns at Kansas Wesleyan, with graduates earning around $46,087. Education majors earn significantly less at $36,560, while health and fitness graduates average just $25,194.
How much debt do Kansas Wesleyan University graduates have?
Kansas Wesleyan graduates carry a median debt of $23,250. Given the 10-year earnings of $51,152, this debt level is manageable for those who complete their degrees, but the low graduation rate increases default risk.
What is the graduation rate at Kansas Wesleyan University?
Only 38.5% of students graduate from Kansas Wesleyan University. This low completion rate means most students leave without a degree but may still carry debt from their time enrolled.