Business Administration, Management and Operations at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 suggests this undergraduate certificate could be manageable—if the estimated figures hold true. Based on national medians from comparable business management programs, first-year earnings around $39,000 against roughly $15,000 in debt means graduates would need about five months of gross income to cover what they borrowed. That's a reasonable financial picture for a credential that typically takes less time than a bachelor's degree.

The challenge is uncertainty. With 15 schools offering similar programs across Kansas, outcomes likely vary based on factors like industry connections, local job markets, and whether students continue their education afterward. Business certificates can serve as either career accelerators for those already working or stepping stones toward fuller degrees—and the value proposition differs dramatically depending on which path a student takes. The modest Pell grant participation at WSU's applied sciences campus (21%) might suggest this program attracts students with existing work experience rather than traditional first-time college students.

For an anxious parent, the key question is fit: Does your child need this specific credential to advance in their current job, or are they using it as an exploratory first step? If it's career acceleration with a clear employer benefit, the debt load looks defensible. If it's exploration without a defined next move, that same debt becomes harder to justify when you're relying on estimated outcomes rather than proven track records from this particular program.