Design and Applied Arts at Wichita State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Wichita State's Design and Applied Arts program sits squarely in the middle nationally but trails most Kansas alternatives—earning $2,000 less than the state median and landing in just the 40th percentile among Kansas schools. With Kansas State graduates earning $43,992 and even KU graduates clearing $37,500, students choosing Wichita State are accepting a meaningful pay gap that persists years into their careers.
The $26,000 debt load looks manageable at first glance, roughly matching both state and national norms. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 suggests graduates can handle payments, and the 15% earnings bump to $38,472 by year four shows some upward trajectory. However, even with that growth, earnings remain well below what top Kansas programs deliver from day one.
The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it a shaky foundation for a major financial decision. If your child has strong work or portfolio prospects that might defy these averages, that matters. But based on the available evidence, families should recognize they're likely paying similar debt for below-average Kansas outcomes. Unless Wichita State offers specific faculty connections or program features that justify the earnings gap, stronger alternatives exist in-state.
Where Wichita State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors'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 graduates compare to all programs nationally
Wichita State University graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 50th percentile of all design and applied arts bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita State University | $33,590 | $38,472 | $26,000 | 0.77 |
| Kansas State University | $43,992 | — | — | — |
| University of Kansas | $37,508 | $50,894 | $26,000 | 0.69 |
| Rasmussen University-Kansas | $32,482 | — | $35,438 | 1.09 |
| National Median | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in Kansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas State University Manhattan | $10,942 | $43,992 | — |
| University of Kansas Lawrence | $11,700 | $37,508 | $26,000 |
| Rasmussen University-Kansas Topeka | $15,340 | $32,482 | $35,438 |
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, approximately 30% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.