Visual & Performing Arts at Wichita State University
Wichita, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Visual and Performing Arts, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings
$20,013/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Large (63,400 openings/yr)
ROI
11.6x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Visual & Performing Arts graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $428K | $434K | $414K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.5x | 11.6x | 11.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.6x | 5.6x | 5.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 20 | 19 | 17 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,288
Out-of-state: $76,960 (5.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,126
13.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,426
52% growth from Year 1
About Wichita State University
With 95% of applicants admitted, Wichita State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 10,493 in Wichita, KS.
See all programs and financial aid at Wichita State University →Top Career Paths
Art directors
$111,040/yr
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190/yr
Compare & Explore
Visual & Performing Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Wichita State University
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Wichita State University's Visual & Performing Arts program score?
This program scores 19/100 — on the lower end for Visual & Performing Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Wichita State University Visual & Performing Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Visual & Performing Arts to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Visual & Performing Arts careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Visual & Performing Arts earnings lower at Wichita State University?
Lower starting pay at Wichita State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →