Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas · Public · 94.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 57/100 · Below Average Value
Wichita State University
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,684/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $19,869/yr |
| Average net price | $13,194/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $52,776 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,532 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $217 |
| Estimated payback period | 11.7 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 51.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 10,780 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,734 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,696 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,564 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,893 |
| $110,001+ | $19,184 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Wichita State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education | $47,389 | C |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $63,852 | C+ |
| Registered Nursing | $75,784 | B |
| Psychology | $42,690 | D |
| Mechanical Engineering | $89,074 | B+ |
| Accounting | $69,696 | B |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $43,452 | - |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $51,305 | D |
| Biology | $56,959 | D |
| Computer Science | $97,335 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Wichita State University is $9,684/year ($19,869/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,194/year, or roughly $52,776 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,734/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $19,184/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $217 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $51,532 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.53 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 64.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 70.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 61.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 67.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 94.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 435-630 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 470-610 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 17-25 |
| Enrollment | 10,780 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 30.6% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,205 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita State University (this school) | 57 | $13,194 | $51,532 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 55 | $18,749 | $54,501 |
| Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania | 53 | $15,699 | $52,416 |
| Fort Hays State University | 52 | $12,569 | $48,928 |
| East Texas A&M University | 51 | $11,841 | $50,296 |
| Emporia State University | 44 | $16,261 | $47,601 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Wichita State University is mixed. At $13,194 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $51,532 ten years after entry - a payback period of 11.7 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include a 51.0% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $20,500 against $51,532 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.