Head-to-head · 2026
Pittsburg State University vs Wichita State University
Compare average net price ($15,784 at Pittsburg State University; $13,194 at Wichita State University), ROI score (8.01 vs 9.76), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($50,579 vs $51,532), and admissions selectivity (89.4% acceptance at Pittsburg State University; 94% at Wichita State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Pittsburg State University | Wichita State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.01 | 9.76 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $15,784 | $13,194 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $63,136 | $52,776 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $8,400 | $9,684 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,744 | $19,869 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $50,579 | $51,532 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 89.4% | 94% |
| Graduation rate | 56.6% ✓ | 51% |
| Retention rate | 77.2% ✓ | 69.3% |
| Median debt | $18,969 ✓ | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 4,210 | 10,780 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1050 | 1092 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Pittsburg State University | Wichita State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $11,968 | $9,734 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $11,453 | $9,696 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $14,676 | $13,564 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,873 | $16,893 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $20,237 | $19,184 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Pittsburg State University | Wichita State University |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 10.7% | 7.7% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 11.2% | 6.2% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 8.7% | 4.6% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 6.8% | 2.8% |
| Psychology, General | 2.9% | 3.6% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 1.9% | 4% |
| Social Work | 1.4% | 4% |
| Marketing | 2.9% | 1.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Wichita State University reports the lower average net price by $2,590 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $10,360 difference over four years ($52,776 vs $63,136).
Wichita State University reports $953 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($51,532 vs $50,579). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 77.2% at Pittsburg State University and 69.3% at Wichita State University. Median federal debt among completers is $18,969 vs $20,500, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Pittsburg State University vs Wichita State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Wichita State University is cheaper — average net price $13,194 per year vs $15,784 at Pittsburg State University. The annual difference of $2,590 adds up to about $10,360 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Wichita State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $51,532 vs $50,579 at Pittsburg State University. The gap in the federal data is $953. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Pittsburg State University is more selective at 89.4% acceptance vs 94% at Wichita State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.