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Wichita State University vs Benedictine College: which has better ROI?

Public, Wichita KS · vs · Private nonprofit, Atchison KS

The verdict

Wichita State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $52,776 in 16.6 years versus 23.2 years at Benedictine College, on median earnings of $51,532 vs $53,175 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWichita State UniversityBenedictine College
Net price / yr$13,194$27,891
Total net cost$52,776$111,564
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,532$53,175
Median debt$20,500$24,599
Payback16.6 yrs23.2 yrs
20-year net return$10,664-$15,264

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

Which is cheaper, Wichita State University or Benedictine College?

Wichita State University, at $13,194 a year after aid versus $27,891 — a gap of $14,697 a year, or $58,788 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Wichita State University or Benedictine College graduates earn more?

Benedictine College graduates report a median $53,175 ten years after entry, $1,643 more than the $51,532 at Wichita State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Wichita State University or Benedictine College?

Wichita State University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $24,599 at Benedictine College, a difference of $4,099. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

62% of students finish at Benedictine College, against 51% at Wichita State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Wichita State University vs Benedictine College: frequently asked questions

Is Wichita State University or Benedictine College a better value?
Wichita State University. It clears its $52,776 net cost in about 16.6 years versus 23.2 years at Benedictine College, on median earnings of $51,532 vs $53,175 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Wichita State University or Benedictine College?
Wichita State University: $13,194/yr net price after aid versus $27,891/yr at Benedictine College — a difference of $14,697 a year, or about $58,788 over four years.
Do Wichita State University or Benedictine College graduates earn more?
Benedictine College graduates earn a median $53,175 ten years after entry, versus $51,532 at Wichita State University — a $1,643 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.