Industry
Former WSU students are professionally suited for a wide range of fields including the health care industry, the banking industry, and the aircraft manufacturing industry. The most popular career sector among alumni is the aerospace and defense industry. WSU graduates see an average starting salary of about $59K.
Gender
After college, a notable gender gap appears: the average female graduate makes $56K where the average male graduate hauls home $69K.
Jobs
The most generous salaries among WSU alumni are reportedly earned by Physician Assistants, whose median earnings come to around $94K, followed by Aerospace Engineers ($81K) and Software Engineers (approximately $79K). Sitting at the bottom of the pay scale are Accountants who make an average of $50K.
Locations
Though Wichita, Kan. offers the least in terms of financial rewards (median pay is the lowest at $58K), roughly one-half of WSU students continue living here after college. Alternatively, Dallas, Texas is home to some of the highest salaries — median pay is around $76K — which is an (obvious) draw for many WSU grads. Graduates also relocate to Denver, Colo. and Houston, Texas.
Degree Major
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) will compensate WSU grads at a much higher rate than other degrees — these alums rake in approximately $108K on average per year. Ranking last in the compensation department are those holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) — their annual income amounts to $43K on average.
Skills
Microsoft Excel is a popular skill among WSU alumni, with roughly a seventh of grads reporting using it on the job. Engineering Design commands a pay premium of 22 percent for former Shockers. Experience with Microsoft Office, Project Management, and Engineering Design is highly valued as well.
Benefits and Perks
Just one-third of alumni enjoy paid vacation and merely one-fifth of alumni get paid sick time. A large number of former students set aside retirement funds in an employer-sponsored 401(k). Health benefits extend to most respondents, and a strong majority of alums also receive dental coverage. Graduates of Wichita State University are also recipients of life insurance, a casual working environment, a company-subsidized cell phone, and tuition reimbursement.
Related Schools
University of South Dakota graduates, who earn $59K on average, make a similar amount to WSU grads. Other schools similar to WSU include the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and the University of Missouri-St Louis.
