Visual and Performing Arts at Wichita State University

Wichita State's Visual and Performing Arts program shows unusual promise for Kansas students, even within a field known for modest earnings. While first-year earnings of $20,013 lag the national median by 21%, graduates here typically see meaningful income growth—jumping to $25,429 by year four. That trajectory matters more than you might think: this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Kansas arts programs, suggesting it's delivering better-than-average outcomes for in-state students who pay in-state tuition.

The debt picture is manageable relative to arts programs elsewhere. At $24,551, graduates owe less than the national median for this degree, and the 1.23 debt-to-earnings ratio—while high by STEM standards—is actually reasonable for creative fields where earning potential builds gradually through experience and portfolio development. The 27% earnings growth from years one to four suggests graduates are gaining traction in the market rather than stalling out.

For Kansas families, this represents one of the better arts program options available in-state. The combination of lower debt, open admissions, and solid income progression makes this workable for students genuinely committed to arts careers. Just understand that even with growth, year-four earnings still hover around $25,000—enough to service the debt, but requiring careful budgeting or supplemental income in early career years.