Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

These numbers reveal a puzzling disconnect: Wichita State's industrial production program lands squarely at Kansas's median ($24,913) but falls dramatically short of the national typical outcome ($43,602). The fact that the entire Kansas market for this credential underperforms nationally raises questions about whether local employers value this particular certificate—or whether the state's industrial sector simply doesn't pay production technicians what they earn elsewhere. The 60th percentile state ranking offers little comfort when the whole state lags so far behind.

The silver lining is minimal debt. At $6,887, graduates face manageable repayment—roughly three months' earnings—which means the financial risk stays contained even if career advancement proves limited. However, earning $24,913 right after completing a credential program leaves little room for living expenses, much less building savings. For context, this starting point falls well below what many entry-level positions require for financial independence.

This certificate makes sense only in specific circumstances: if your child already works in manufacturing and needs the credential for a promotion, or if they're using it as a stepping stone while living at home. As a standalone path to financial stability, the earnings simply don't support that goal. Kansas families should seriously consider out-of-state programs where the same credential commands 75% higher wages, even accounting for moving costs.