Wichita State University

Wichita State University's published cost of attendance reaches $21,064 per year, including $19,240 in out-of-state tuition ($9,322 for Kansas residents), $13,790 for room and board, and $1,250 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $13,776 after financial aid, representing $7,288 in aid savings that reduce the actual cost burden significantly.

The university's net price sits $1,814 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating moderate cost positioning among similar institutions. This cost structure reflects Wichita State's balance between accessibility and resource investment, where students pay somewhat more than typical peer institutions but receive exceptional value through earnings beyond expectations.

The financial aid system effectively reduces costs for most students, making the published sticker price less relevant than the actual net price families experience. Kansas residents benefit from substantially lower in-state tuition rates, creating additional affordability advantages for local students.

The combination of moderate net pricing with strong earnings outcomes supports the university's well above average affordability ranking at the 78.5th percentile, indicating effective cost management relative to career value creation.

Wichita State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time with strong performance relative to expectations. Median earnings rise from $44,043 six years after enrollment to $47,823 at eight years and $51,532 at ten years, representing 17.0% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 3,906 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures across diverse academic programs. The institution's standout strength lies in earnings beyond expectations, where graduates earn $16,327 more than predicted based on student demographics and institutional characteristics, ranking at the 92.1st percentile nationally.

This exceptional performance in earnings uplift indicates the university's effectiveness in adding value through education and career preparation. Low-income graduates earn $41,400, demonstrating the institution's ability to support economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Approximately 24.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The earnings distribution from $33,001 to $72,524 reflects the university's diverse program portfolio spanning engineering, healthcare, business, and liberal arts disciplines.

Wichita State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking and analysis. Mechanical Engineering ranks #163 nationally and #2 in Kansas, producing 96 graduates with median earnings of $79,722 and a value score of 27.4.

Aerospace Engineering ranks #43 nationally and #1 in Kansas, graduating 62 students with median earnings of $76,867. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #58 nationally and #1 in Kansas with exceptional value, graduating 196 students with median earnings of $43,764 and a value score of 73.9, reflecting strong preparation for education leadership roles.

Adult Health Nursing ranks #236 nationally and #3 in Kansas, with 148 graduates earning $58,674. Business Administration and Management ranks #191 nationally and #3 in Kansas, graduating 123 students with median earnings of $54,495 and a solid value score of 44.0.

The university's largest programs include Adult and Continuing Education with 196 graduates and Adult Health Nursing with 148 graduates, demonstrating strong student demand in professional preparation fields.

Wichita State University admits 94.9% of applicants, representing open access admission where nearly all students who apply receive offers of admission. This places the university well above typical four-year institutions, with a peer median admission rate of 78.1%.

The open admission policy reflects the university's mission to provide educational opportunity to diverse learners, including working professionals, career changers, and first-generation college students. Students should view Wichita State as highly accessible for admission, with acceptance virtually guaranteed for applicants who meet basic eligibility requirements.

This accessibility allows the university to serve students who might face barriers at more selective institutions, including those with non-traditional educational backgrounds or those seeking flexible degree completion options. The high acceptance rate means students can focus primarily on program fit, cost considerations, and career alignment rather than admission competition.

For students building college lists, Wichita State represents a reliable option that removes admission uncertainty while still delivering strong post-graduation value. The university's strength lies not in selectivity but in its ability to help diverse students achieve economic mobility and career advancement through quality educational programs.