Wichita, KS · Private University
Is Wichita State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$51,532
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,322
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,240
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$76,960
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.68x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
51.4%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$13,776
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Wichita State University graduates earn $6,532 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Wichita State University ranked by graduate earnings
36 graduates
74 graduates
26 graduates
39 graduates
41 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Wichita State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Wichita State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering: $82,574) and the lowest (Visual and Performing Arts, General: $25,429) is $57,145/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications EngineeringBest ROI | $82,574 | 4.3x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $79,722 | 4.1x |
| Computer Engineering | $78,860 | 4.1x |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering | $76,867 | 4.0x |
| Computer Science(1yr data) | $64,699 | 3.4x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General(1yr data) | $64,287 | 3.3x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $63,799 | 3.3x |
| International Business | $63,327 | 3.3x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $58,674 | 3.0x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $58,548 | 3.0x |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $55,826 | 2.9x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $54,495 | 2.8x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $53,326 | 2.8x |
| Engineering Technology, General(1yr data) | $52,066 | 2.7x |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $51,656 | 2.7x |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering(1yr data) | $51,636 | 2.7x |
| Marketing | $47,531 | 2.5x |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $46,211 | 2.4x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods(1yr data) | $43,764 | 2.3x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $42,046 | 2.2x |
| Biology, General | $41,782 | 2.2x |
| Chemistry | $41,713 | 2.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $41,417 | 2.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $40,440 | 2.1x |
| Social Work | $39,305 | 2.0x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $39,297 | 2.0x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $39,091 | 2.0x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $38,472 | 2.0x |
| Psychology, General | $38,402 | 2.0x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General(1yr data) | $36,010 | 1.9x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $34,846 | 1.8x |
| Anthropology(1yr data) | $34,275 | 1.8x |
| Sociology | $34,049 | 1.8x |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences(1yr data) | $32,125 | 1.7x |
| Political Science and Government(1yr data) | $30,121 | 1.6x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $28,955 | 1.5x |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services(1yr data) | $27,284 | 1.4x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, GeneralLowest | $25,429 | 1.3x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Wichita State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $51,532 10 years after starting, $6,532 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.7 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.