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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $21,780 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,869 |
| Room and Board | $12,420 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,586 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,194 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,734 |
| $30–48k | $9,696 |
| $48–75k | $13,564 |
| $75–110k | $16,893 |
| $110k+ | $19,184 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at Wichita State University remain manageable relative to post-graduation earnings and peer comparisons. Median debt reaches $20,500, essentially matching the peer median of $20,000, indicating typical borrowing levels for similar institutions.
Debt distribution ranges from $5,617 at the 25th percentile to $26,000 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied borrowing patterns across student populations. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 indicates that typical graduates can expect annual debt payments representing roughly 40% of their first-year earnings—a manageable burden that supports long-term financial stability.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,336 with monthly payments of $176, providing additional financing options for families needing supplemental aid beyond student federal limits. The debt levels rank at the 66th percentile nationally, indicating above-average but not excessive borrowing compared to all four-year institutions.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Wichita State University delivers exceptional return on educational investment through strong earnings performance relative to costs and student backgrounds. While median earnings of $51,532 rank around the national average, graduates earn $16,327 beyond expectations compared to similar students, ranking at the 92.1st percentile for earnings uplift—top-tier performance in value creation.
This earnings premium more than compensates for the university's moderate cost positioning, where net prices exceed peer medians by $1,814 but debt levels remain comparable to peer institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 indicates manageable repayment burdens that support long-term financial stability.
The university's return index ranks at the 78.2nd percentile, reflecting well above average performance in translating educational investment into career value. For students seeking maximum return on educational investment, Wichita State's combination of accessible admission, moderate costs, and exceptional earnings uplift creates favorable conditions for economic mobility and career advancement.
Financial aid at Wichita State University effectively reduces costs for the majority of students, with average savings of $7,288 off the published cost of attendance. The aid system demonstrates particular effectiveness in supporting lower-income students, as evidenced by the $10,914 net price for families earning under $30,000—nearly $3,000 below the institutional average.
The university's 29.7% Pell share indicates that roughly three in ten students receive federal grant aid for lower-income families, while the progressive net price structure shows aid concentration toward students with the greatest financial need. This financial aid approach aligns with the university's access mission and contributes to its above average access index performance at the 65.8th percentile.
The aid effectiveness supports degree completion for diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining financial sustainability for the institution. Students from lower-income families can expect significant cost reduction through need-based aid, while middle-income families face moderate net prices relative to the career value created through degree completion.
