Wichita State University vs Friends University: which has better ROI?
Wichita State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $52,776 in 16.6 years versus 29.5 years at Friends University, on median earnings of $51,532 vs $52,113 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Wichita State University | Friends University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,194 | $27,715 |
| Total net cost | $52,776 | $110,860 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,532 | $52,113 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 16.6 yrs | 29.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $10,664 | -$35,800 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Wichita State University or Friends University?
Wichita State University, at $13,194 a year after aid versus $27,715 — a gap of $14,521 a year, or $58,084 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 Friends University graduates earn more?
Friends University graduates report a median $52,113 ten years after entry, $581 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 Friends University?
Wichita State University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Friends University, a difference of $4,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
51% of students finish at Wichita State University, against 43% at Friends 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.