Wichita State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Wichita State University?

Wichita State University has a graduation rate that falls within the lower range compared to other institutions. The overall graduation rate is 51%, which is considered average but places the university in the bottom 40% nationwide. Men graduate at a slightly lower rate of 48%, ranking in the bottom 45%, while women have a graduation rate of 55%, also in the bottom 40%. These figures indicate challenges in student retention and completion that prospective students should consider.

The four-year graduation rate at Wichita State University is notably low at 31%, characterizing a significant portion of students taking longer to complete their degrees. This rate places the university in the bottom 30% of institutions, pointing to slower progression through undergraduate programs. The six-year graduation rate improves to 51%, matching the overall graduation metric but still in the lower tier among peer universities.

Retention rates also reflect some difficulties, with only 68% of students returning after their first year. This retention rate is categorized as low and ranks in the bottom 30%, which could impact long-term graduation prospects.

While specific graduation rates by major are not provided, the general statistics suggest that students across programs may face similar completion challenges. Prospective students should weigh these rates when considering Wichita State University as their academic choice.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Wichita State University?

Graduates from Wichita State University experience a wide range of earning potentials depending on their field of study. Engineering disciplines stand out for offering some of the highest starting salaries. For instance, aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering graduates report earnings around $63,979, while electrical, electronics, and communications engineering majors earn approximately $63,405. Mechanical engineering is also competitive, with graduates making about $63,455, and computer engineering fields yield earnings near $54,772. Engineering technology graduates have reported earnings around $59,222, reflecting strong prospects in technical areas.

Business-related degrees provide solid income opportunities as well. Business administration, management, and operations graduates earn about $42,790, while those in accounting and related services see slightly higher earnings near $47,084. Entrepreneurial and small business operations and finance graduates earn in the $42,000 to $44,000 range, and management information systems stands out at roughly $56,847, indicating promising returns in technology-driven business roles.

Health and medical professions at Wichita State University offer competitive salaries. Registered nursing and related clinical nursing fields report earnings around $50,805, closely followed by dental support and allied professions at $50,397, and clinical medical laboratory science graduates earning about $53,227. Health and medical administrative services also provide respectable earnings near $34,580.

Degrees in education yield moderate but steady income, with curriculum and instruction graduates earning $38,814 and those specializing in specific subject areas making approximately $40,179. Communication and media studies graduates earn around $31,854, with public relations and advertising not specifically detailed but likely in a similar range.

In the sciences and social sciences, chemistry bachelor's holders report earnings near $40,216, while biology majors earn about $34,442. Social work graduates make roughly $32,391, and criminal justice degree holders have incomes around $35,274. Psychology graduates start near $29,371, sociology at $33,174, and linguistics-related studies earn about $29,061. Design and applied arts degrees provide earnings near $29,708, while fine and studio arts are lower, around $28,287, and visual and performing arts generally start near $16,757.

Overall, Wichita State University's graduates in engineering, business technology, and health sciences tend to have the most substantial initial earnings, while fields in the arts and some social sciences typically report more modest starting salaries.