Drafting & Design Technology at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

Wichita, KS · Public · Associate Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians

with a smaller student body of 2,778 in Wichita, KS.

Program Analysis

Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology's Drafting & Design Technology graduates start at $46,949/yr — above the $42,040 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 43.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Drafting & Design Technology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $16,168 in median debt clears fast against $46,949 in annual earnings.

A #20 ranking among 45 Drafting & Design Technology programs places Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The 15 apprenticeship pathways connected to Drafting & Design Technology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

52 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
49
Low End
52
Score
54
High End
Earnings $46,949/yr (12% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (60% shielded)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$538K
3.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
44.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
4 of 4
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$12,036
Out-of-state: $13,856
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,168
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Drafting & Design Technology graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Electrical and electronics drafters $73,720 -5.6% 43%
Mechanical drafters $68,510 -6.5% 50%
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280 +4.1% 46%
Electrical and electronics drafters
$73,720
-5.6% growth 43% AI-proof
Mechanical drafters
$68,510
-6.5% growth 50% AI-proof
Architectural and civil drafters
$64,280
+4.1% growth 46% AI-proof

View all 4 career paths with full salary data →

Drafting & Design Technology Career Guide

What can you do with a Drafting & Design Technology credential from Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Drafting & Design Technology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Drafting & Design Technology Overview

Drafting & Design Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Drafting & Design Technology at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology?
This program scores 52/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Drafting & Design Technology graduates.
Will AI affect Drafting & Design Technology careers?
The 40% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Drafting & Design Technology program at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology?
Yes — 15 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Drafting & Design Technology career paths, including Design Drafter, Electromec. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →