Wichita State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$37,288
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$9,043/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
4.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
385%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Wichita State University's in-state tuition is $9,322. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $45,870. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease slightly to $44,043, but increase to $51,532 ten years after graduation. The median debt for graduates is $20,500, and 34.9% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Wichita State graduates is approximately 0.45, calculated using the median debt and the one-year post-graduation earnings. This ratio is calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings.
Based on the provided data, the break-even point, or the time it takes for a graduate to earn back the cost of tuition, is less than one year. This is determined by comparing the tuition cost of $9,322 to the one-year post-graduation earnings of $45,870.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,322
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$44,043
Graduation Rate
52%
Receive Financial Aid
35%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $76,505 | 2126% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $0 | N/A |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $58,674 | 1170% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $42,648 | 310% |
| Social Work | $46,325 | 507% |
| Psychology, General | $38,402 | 82% |
| Industrial Engineering | $0 | N/A |
| Mechanical Engineering | $79,722 | 2299% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $45,719 | 475% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $63,799 | 1445% |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $77,022 | 2154% |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
385%
20yr ROI
310%
20yr ROI
546%
20yr ROI
373%
20yr ROI
270%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.