Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
Associate's Degree
Analysis
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.
Where Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 59th percentile of all drafting/design engineering technologies/technicians associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians associates's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (9 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology | $46,949 | — | $15,252 | 0.32 |
| National Median | $45,434 | — | $13,250 | 0.29 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, approximately 21% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 23 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.