Washburn University
Washburn University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Washburn University at a Glance
Washburn University (WU), formally Washburn University of Topeka, is a public university in Topeka, Kansas, United States. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs as well as professional programs in law and business. The university enrolls approximately 5,000 undergraduate students and 700 graduate students as of 2023. As of 2008, Washburn also took over overseeing the nearby Washburn Tech.
1865
161 years old
$213M
$213.4 million (2025)
5,663
4,930 undergrad · 733 grad
1,000
160 acres
Identity
Is Washburn University Worth It?
Washburn University offers moderate value at $15,280/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $49,774, which is 7% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 53% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Washburn University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #122 of 278 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #3 | CUNY York College | 100 | $4,456 | $56,945 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | Texas A & M International University | 100 | $3,637 | $48,386 |
| #6 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #122 | Washburn University | 43 | $15,280 | $49,774 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Washburn University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in KS.
Best Programs at Washburn University
The highest-earning program at Washburn University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $28,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Washburn University earns $54,300, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $28,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $24,500 in median debt vs. $26,495 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,280/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $54,300 | $54,300 | $24,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $50,400 | $50,400 | $19,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,400 | $45,400 | $26,496 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,800 | $44,800 | $25,750 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $41,900 | $41,900 | $23,266 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $38,100 | $38,100 | $21,770 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,300 | $36,300 | $25,332 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $29,300 | $29,300 | $23,558 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,800 | $28,800 | $22,627 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $28,700 | $28,700 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $28,000 | $28,000 | $26,495 |
Similar Colleges in KS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Topeka, KS
- Student Body
- 4,562 students
- Graduation Rate
- 53%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,280
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,774
- Median Student Debt
- $18,127