Wichita State University demonstrates well above average return on investment, ranking at the 78.2nd percentile for overall return performance. The university's strength lies in exceptional earnings beyond expectations, where graduates earn $16,327 more than predicted based on student demographics and institutional characteristics, placing it at the 92.1st percentile nationally. While median earnings of $51,532 rank around the national average at the 45th percentile, this performance significantly exceeds expectations for the university's student population and program mix. Graduates earn $9,011 less than the peer median of $60,543, yet the substantial earnings uplift indicates the university's effectiveness in value creation through education. Median debt of $20,500 matches the peer median of $20,000, resulting in a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 that supports manageable repayment and long-term financial stability. This combination of exceptional value-added performance with controlled debt levels creates strong return on investment conditions for graduates pursuing economic mobility through higher education.
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.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes at Wichita State University show meaningful variation across programs and career trajectories, with particularly strong performance in technical and professional fields. The gap between the 25th percentile ($33,001) and 75th percentile ($72,524) represents a 2.2:1 ratio, reflecting differences in field of study and post-graduation career paths. Mechanical Engineering graduates lead earnings at $79,722, followed by Aerospace Engineering at $76,867, and Computer Science at $64,699. Professional programs also demonstrate strong outcomes, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $58,674 and Business Administration graduates earning $54,495. The trajectory shows consistent growth from early to mid-career, with the 17.0% increase between six-year and ten-year marks indicating sustained earning power as graduates advance professionally.
Financial justification for the investment.
Healthy debt burden. Most graduates can manage $20,500 in debt with typical earnings.
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. When combined with the university's strong earnings beyond expectations performance, these debt levels support favorable return on investment outcomes that justify the educational investment for most graduates.
The earnings distribution at Wichita State spans from $33,001 at the 25th percentile to $72,524 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.2:1 ratio that reflects varied career outcomes across program choices and individual career paths. Low-income graduates earn $41,400, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This earnings spread indicates opportunities for substantial career advancement while providing realistic income floors that support financial stability even for lower-earning career paths within the university's program mix.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
Program-level earnings demonstrate significant variation across fields, with engineering disciplines leading graduate income potential. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $79,722 annually, followed by Aerospace Engineering at $76,867 and Computer Science at $64,699, reflecting strong preparation in technical fields with robust regional and national job markets. Business programs provide solid mid-range earnings, with Accounting Technology graduates earning $63,799 and Business Administration graduates earning $54,495. Health professions offer stable career outcomes, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $58,674 and Dental Assisting graduates earning $51,656. Education programs, while showing moderate earnings levels around $43,764 for Adult and Continuing Education, demonstrate exceptional value scores reaching 73.9, indicating outstanding return on investment relative to program costs. This program diversity enables students to align educational choices with career goals while benefiting from the university's overall effectiveness in exceeding earnings expectations across multiple disciplines. The range from engineering programs approaching $80,000 to education programs around $40,000 reflects industry standards while maintaining strong value creation across all program areas.
Upper quartile, 10-year field
The earnings distribution at Wichita State spans from $33,001 at the 25th percentile to $72,524 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.2:1 ratio that reflects varied career outcomes across program choices and individual career paths. Low-income graduates earn $41,400, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This earnings spread indicates opportunities for substantial career advancement while providing realistic income floors that support financial stability even for lower-earning career paths within the university's program mix.
Approximately 24.5% of Wichita State graduates continue to graduate or professional school, indicating that roughly one in four alumni pursue advanced education. This continuation rate suggests balanced preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced degree pathways, allowing students flexibility in career timing and educational progression based on individual goals and circumstances.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
