Wichita State University
Wichita State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Wichita State University at a Glance
Wichita State University (WSU) is a public research university in Wichita, Kansas, United States, governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. WSU offers more than 60 undergraduate programs across nine colleges, with over 200 areas of study. As of fall 2025, the main campus enrolled 18,458 students, the highest in university history. The graduate school provides more than 50 master's degrees, a specialist degree in education, and 13 doctoral programs. WSU holds an R2 classification for high research…
1895
131 years old
$351M
$350.9 million (2025)
25,147
14,906 undergrad · 3,552 grad
520
330 acres
Identity
Is Wichita State University Worth It?
Wichita State University offers moderate value at $13,194/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $51,532, which is 4% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 94% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
How Wichita State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #49 of 154 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 | California State University-Bakersfield | 100 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
| #2 | California State University-Stanislaus | 100 | $6,067 | $63,188 |
| #3 | California State University-San Bernardino | 100 | $4,564 | $59,977 |
| #4 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #5 | Modesto Junior College | 100 | $2,818 | $42,368 |
| #6 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #49 | Wichita State University | 50 | $13,194 | $51,532 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Wichita State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in KS.
Best Programs at Wichita State University
The highest-earning program at Wichita State University is Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $65,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $13,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduate from Wichita State University earns $65,200, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $13,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduates carry $25,625 in median debt vs. $23,000 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,194/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) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $65,200 | $65,200 | $25,625 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $63,300 | $63,300 | $26,529 |
| Computer Engineering | $61,800 | $61,800 | $31,000 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $61,500 | $61,500 | $22,941 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $53,900 | $53,900 | $24,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $52,300 | $52,300 | $21,934 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $52,100 | $52,100 | $18,750 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $49,700 | $49,700 | $21,369 |
| International Business | $47,400 | $47,400 | N/A |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $46,100 | $46,100 | $28,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $46,000 | $46,000 | $22,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,000 | $40,000 | $22,923 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $39,200 | $39,200 | $23,250 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | $38,300 | $38,300 | $24,189 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $34,100 | $34,100 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $33,400 | $33,400 | $22,500 |
| Marketing | $32,700 | $32,700 | $20,806 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $31,700 | $31,700 | $28,561 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $31,100 | $31,100 | $24,098 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $30,800 | $30,800 | $23,559 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $30,700 | $30,700 | $20,971 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,300 | $28,300 | $18,796 |
| Social Work | $27,900 | $27,900 | $22,457 |
| Psychology, General | $26,400 | $26,400 | $21,166 |
| Sociology | $25,100 | $25,100 | $29,112 |
| Biology, General | $22,900 | $22,900 | $23,499 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $22,000 | $22,000 | $29,500 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $20,900 | $20,900 | $21,955 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $13,400 | $13,400 | $23,000 |
Similar Colleges in KS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Wichita, KS
- Student Body
- 10,780 students
- Admission Rate
- 94%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,194
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,532
- Median Student Debt
- $20,500