College Costs in Wichita, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 20 colleges in Wichita, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,640
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$43,408
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$837
per month
Colleges & Universities
20
institutions
Wichita Overview
Population
397,532
Student Population
27,111 (6.8%)
Cost of Living Index
104 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
38/100
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
College Cost Calculator for Wichita
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$85,828
Total After Financial Aid
$85,828
Annual Cost
$21,457
Annual After Aid
$21,457
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $85,828 |
| Monthly Payment | $975 |
| Total Interest | $31,119 |
| Total Loan Cost | $116,947 |
Universities in Wichita
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita State University | Public | $8,640 |
| Butler Community College | Community | $3,564 |
Wichita has 20 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wichita vs. National Average
| Category | Wichita | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,640 | $10,940 | -$2,300 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $837 | $1,050 | -$213 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 100 | +4 |
Wichita's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Wichita
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
27,111 students
Wichita has a total population of 397,532, with approximately 27,111 college students (6.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Wichita offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wichita
$46,073
Starting Salary
5.4%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wichita earn a median starting salary of $46,073, which is $11,073 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $85,828 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $16,474 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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