Kansas Wesleyan University
Kansas Wesleyan University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Kansas Wesleyan University at a Glance
Kansas Wesleyan University is a private Christian university in Salina, Kansas, United States. Founded in 1886, it is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It has over 900 students and a 28-acre (11 ha) campus.
1886
140 years old
952
84
Identity
Is Kansas Wesleyan University Worth It?
At a value score of 24/100, Kansas Wesleyan University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,152 — 5% below average — while paying $22,671/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 43% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Kansas Wesleyan University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Kansas Wesleyan University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in KS
Ranked #122 of 177 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #6 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
| #122 | Kansas Wesleyan University | 24 | $22,671 | $51,152 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Kansas Wesleyan University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in KS.
Best Programs at Kansas Wesleyan University
The highest-earning program at Kansas Wesleyan University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $44,800/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Kansas Wesleyan University earns $44,800, while a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate earns $44,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,671/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $44,800 | $44,800 |
Similar Colleges in KS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Salina, KS
- Student Body
- 956 students
- Admission Rate
- 72%
- Graduation Rate
- 43%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,671
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,152
- Median Student Debt
- $23,250