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
Earnings Distribution
How Wichita State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita State University | $33,590 | $38,472 | +15% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $66,274 | $126,932 | +92% |
| Northeastern University | $49,727 | $81,078 | +63% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $44,506 | $76,309 | +71% |
| University of Kansas | $37,508 | $50,894 | +36% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wichita State UniversityWichita | $9,322 | $33,590 | $38,472 | $26,000 | 0.77 |
 Kansas State UniversityManhattan | $10,942 | $43,992 | — | — | — |
 University of KansasLawrence | $11,700 | $37,508 | $50,894 | $26,000 | 0.69 |
 Rasmussen University-KansasTopeka | $15,340 | $32,482 | — | $35,438 | 1.09 |
| National Median | — | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Fashion Designers
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Set and Exhibit Designers
Interior Designers
Graphic Designers
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
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.