At $13,776/yr net price, Wichita State University graduates earn $51,532/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,532/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,776 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,104 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,532/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,532/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,914/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,084/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,240/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,670/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,751/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. | Master | $110,878 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,749 | $64,510 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Master | $80,022 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $78,114 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $76,460 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $20,738 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,422 | $66,364 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $68,219 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,784 | $19,710 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,990 | $21,865 |
The Risk Factor
51.4% of students at Wichita State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Wichita State University delivers solid financial returns for health science and engineering students, but weaker outcomes in other fields make this a program-dependent investment.
Your career choice matters dramatically here. Nursing graduates earn over $110,000 annually with manageable debt, while allied health diagnostic programs also crack six figures despite higher borrowing. Engineering majors in industrial and computer fields start around $80,000, creating strong payback ratios against the low net price. Psychology graduates earning $76,000 represent decent middle-ground returns.
The concerning graduation rate of 51% creates real financial risk. If you drop out, you face debt without the degree that justifies it. The retention rate of 68% suggests many students struggle in their first year, making academic preparation critical before enrolling.
Wichita State works best if you can commit to high-paying programs and have strong study habits. The low net price of $13,776 makes it affordable for Kansas residents, especially in technical fields where the regional job market supports graduates. Aviation, manufacturing, and healthcare employers in the Wichita area actively recruit from these programs.
You should look elsewhere if you want liberal arts, business, or education degrees, as the data suggests weaker returns in these areas. The school also may not suit you if you need extensive academic support, given the low retention numbers.
Financial aid reaches only 30% of students, indicating limited need-based assistance. Merit scholarships exist but competition is significant. Your best cost strategy involves choosing high-return majors and completing your degree quickly to minimize total expenses while maximizing the low annual costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wichita State University worth the debt?
With median debt of $20,500 and 10-year earnings of $51,532, Wichita State offers reasonable debt-to-income ratios compared to national averages. The low net price of $13,776 per year helps keep borrowing manageable for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at Wichita State University?
Nursing programs lead earnings at $110,878, followed by allied health professions at $104,749 and industrial engineering at $80,022. These programs significantly outperform the school's overall 10-year earnings average of $51,532.
Does Wichita State University have a good return on investment?
Wichita State provides solid ROI for health and engineering majors but average returns overall. The 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which hurts long-term value for those who don't complete their degrees.
How much financial aid does Wichita State University give?
The relatively low net price of $13,776 suggests decent financial aid availability, though specific award amounts vary by student need and merit. Most students can attend without taking on excessive debt given the manageable costs.