At $10,741/yr net price, Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology graduates earn $38,679/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,679/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,741 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $42,964 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,679/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,679/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,755/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,832/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,343/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,759/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,503/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $47,260 | $12,000 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $40,647 | $5,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $35,772 | $4,750 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,809 | $16,168 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $31,133 | $9,500 |
| Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies. | Certificate | $18,498 |
The Risk Factor
36.3% of students at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology 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
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology gives you a low-cost, trade-focused path, but the payoff depends heavily on which program you pick. With a net price near $10,700 a year and median debt of $9,500, you keep your borrowing modest. The catch is the median 10-year earnings of $38,679, which is thin for a school where the strongest programs are hands-on technical trades.
The programs that pay off here are the technical certificates. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair leads at over $47,000, and Industrial Production Technologies clears $40,000 on just $5,500 of debt, which is one of the best cost-to-earnings ratios on this campus. Mechanical Engineering technician certificates land in the mid-$30,000s with low debt too. These fit Wichita's aircraft and manufacturing base, where technical skills have a local market.
The weaker bets carry more debt for less return. The Drafting/Design associate degree pays under $34,000 but saddles you with over $16,000 in debt, the highest on the list. Practical Nursing pays around $31,000 against $9,500 in debt. If you enroll here, the certificate track beats the associate track on the math.
The biggest risk is completion. A 36% graduation rate means most students who start do not finish, and the good earnings numbers only apply if you walk away with the credential. Borrow, drop out, and you keep the debt without the wage bump.
The net price tiers stay flat and cheap if your family earns under $48,000, where you pay under $10,000 a year. Above $75,000, your price jumps to roughly $14,500. This school fits you if you want a specific trade credential, especially in vehicle or industrial tech, and can commit to finishing. Look elsewhere if you want a four-year degree or higher long-term earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology worth the money?
The school offers decent value with low debt ($9,500 median) and a reasonable net price of $10,741 yearly. However, the 36% graduation rate is concerning, and median earnings of $38,679 ten years out are modest for technical fields.
What are the best paying programs at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology?
Vehicle maintenance and repair leads at $47,260, followed by industrial production tech at $40,647. These programs offer the strongest return on investment at this campus.
How much debt do students graduate with from Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology?
Median student debt is $9,500, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. This keeps monthly payments manageable for technical field salaries.
What is the graduation rate at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology?
Only 36% of students graduate, which is low even for community and technical colleges. This suggests many students either transfer or drop out before completing their programs.