Analysis
Wichita State's Fine and Studio Arts program outperforms most comparable programs nationally and within Kansas, but the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these figures could swing dramatically year to year. That caveat aside, graduates start at $27,518, placing them in the 66th percentile nationally for arts programs and right at the Kansas median. More importantly, they're carrying $28,150 in debt—substantially less than the typical fine arts graduate nationally.
The debt picture deserves emphasis: that 1.02 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable for an arts degree, where starting salaries rarely break $30,000. Wichita State students graduate owing about $3,000 less than peers at other Kansas schools, which matters when you're building a creative career. Earnings do inch upward to $28,955 by year four, though neither figure suggests financial security without additional income streams—a reality across studio arts programs, not just this one.
For an art-focused student set on Wichita State, this program appears viable compared to alternatives. It ranks second among Kansas programs that report data, trailing only Fort Hays. But given the small cohort size, one difficult employment year could dramatically shift these numbers. Parents should verify current graduation rates and employment support specifically for arts majors before committing.
Where Wichita State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio 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 | $27,518 | $28,955 | +5% |
| Fort Hays State University | $31,909 | $43,029 | +35% |
| Kansas State University | $28,218 | $37,783 | +34% |
| Emporia State University | $19,276 | $28,230 | +46% |
| University of Kansas | $16,629 | $25,999 | +56% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (19 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wichita State UniversityWichita | $9,322 | $27,518 | $28,955 | $28,150 | 1.02 |
 Fort Hays State UniversityHays | $5,633 | $31,909 | $43,029 | $22,937 | 0.72 |
 Kansas State UniversityManhattan | $10,942 | $28,218 | $37,783 | $27,000 | 0.96 |
 Emporia State UniversityEmporia | $7,356 | $19,276 | $28,230 | $25,129 | 1.30 |
 University of KansasLawrence | $11,700 | $16,629 | $25,999 | $22,361 | 1.34 |
| National Median | — | $24,742 | — | $25,295 | 1.02 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with fine and studio arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Craft Artists
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Gem and Diamond Workers
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 24 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.