Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

With a first-year salary of $46,949 and just $15,252 in debt, Wichita State's drafting program delivers exactly what technical education should: immediate earning power without financial burden. That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can pay off their loans in roughly four months of gross income—better than 73% of similar programs nationwide. Among Kansas's nine drafting programs, this sits right at the state median, making it a solid in-state choice without standout differentiation.

The numbers tell a straightforward story: graduates start earning slightly above the national median ($45,434) while carrying manageable debt. For students interested in technical careers who want to avoid both bachelor's degree costs and trade school uncertainty, this represents a practical middle path. The program serves its mission well—getting Kansas students into drafting jobs at competitive wages.

The major caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than the data suggests. Still, for families prioritizing quick entry into the workforce with minimal debt, this program offers a reasonable return on investment, particularly for in-state students paying lower tuition.