Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

Kansas State University vs Wichita State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Manhattan KS · vs · Public, Wichita KS

The verdict

Kansas State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $77,624 in 8.7 years versus 16.6 years at Wichita State University, on median earnings of $57,262 vs $51,532 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Head to head
MeasureKansas State UniversityWichita State University
Net price / yr$19,406$13,194
Total net cost$77,624$52,776
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,262$51,532
Median debt$21,250$20,500
Payback8.7 yrs16.6 yrs
20-year net return$100,416$10,664

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.