Software Engineering Degree in Wichita, KS — Salary & ROI 2026
Software Engineering degree analysis for Wichita, KS. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$92K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$133K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
1.6 yrs
in Wichita
Cost of Living
104
index (100 = avg)
Software Engineering in Wichita, KS Overview
Wichita, Kansas (pop. 397,532) has 20 colleges offering Software Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 104 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $837/month. Software Engineering has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Software Design and Testing skills. The adjusted starting salary in Wichita is approximately $91,520.
Category
STEM
Local Colleges
20
Public Tuition
$8,640/yr
Private Tuition
$43,408/yr
Room & Board
$12,817/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$16,474/yr
Unemployment
5.4%
Graduation Rate
46%
Software Engineering Salary in Wichita (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Wichita's cost of living index of 104 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Software Engineering salary: $88,000 starting, $128,000 mid-career, $160,000 senior level.Wichita adjustment factor: 1.04x based on the local cost of living index.
Software Engineering ROI Calculator for Wichita
Estimate your return on investment for a Software Engineering degree using local Wichita tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $8,640 | Private avg: $43,408
Wichita avg aid: $16,474/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$85,828
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$55,120
vs HS diploma in Wichita
ROI Payback Period
1.6 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Wichita
$1,141,372
Lifetime earnings premium ($1,227,200) minus total education cost ($85,828)
Student Loan Payoff for Software Engineering in Wichita
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Wichita for Software Engineering
Wichita State University
public
$8,640/yr
$34,560 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Butler Community College
$3,564/yr
Top Employers for Software Engineering in Wichita
Wichita offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Software Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Wichita Hiring Sectors for STEM
Tech companies
Research labs
Government agencies
Startups
Consulting firms
Common Software Engineering Job Titles
Software Engineering in Nearby Kansas Cities
Overland Park, KS
$91K starting · COL 103
13 colleges
Kansas City, KS
$73K starting · COL 82.5
6 colleges
Olathe, KS
$85K starting · COL 96.8
6 colleges
Topeka, KS
$74K starting · COL 84
14 colleges
Lawrence, KS
$95K starting · COL 108
5 colleges
Shawnee, KS
$76K starting · COL 86.5
3 colleges
Lenexa, KS
$85K starting · COL 96.2
3 colleges
Manhattan, KS
$84K starting · COL 95
6 colleges
Other STEM Majors in Wichita
Prompt Engineering
$52K starting · 1.5 yr ROI
Computational Linguistics
$99K starting · 2 yr ROI
Computer Science
$88K starting · 2.8 yr ROI
Data Science
$85K starting · 3 yr ROI
Astrophysics
$88K starting · 3 yr ROI
Actuarial Science
$52K starting · 3 yr ROI
Cybersecurity
$83K starting · 3 yr ROI
Robotics Engineering
$52K starting · 3 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Software Engineering degree outcomes in Wichita, KS: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Software Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Kansas.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Wichita using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Software Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Software Engineering career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Software Engineering grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Wichita Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Kansas students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Kansas programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "kansas higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Software Engineering Degree in Wichita — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Software Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Wichita.