Engineering Technology at Wichita State University

Wichita State's Engineering Technology program puts graduates $8,500 below the national median for this field—placing it in just the 25th percentile nationally. Even within Kansas, where only three schools offer this degree, WSU ranks middle-of-the-pack at the 40th percentile, trailing Kansas State by nearly $10,000 in first-year earnings. For a technical field like engineering technology, these are meaningful gaps that compound over a career.

The debt picture offers modest relief. At $23,875, graduates borrow slightly less than both state and national medians, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46. That's less than half a year's salary—workable but not exceptional. However, parents should note the small sample size here (under 30 graduates), which means these figures could swing substantially year to year.

The core question is whether this specific program justifies the investment when Kansas State—a more selective institution with stronger outcomes in this field—exists as an alternative. For students who need the accessibility of WSU's 95% admission rate or who live in Wichita, this remains a viable pathway into engineering technology. But families should understand they're likely trading some earning potential for that accessibility, and exploring Kansas State or out-of-state options might deliver better returns if admission is feasible.