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Washburn University

Topeka, KS·Public·4,093 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 4,093 students.

N/A
Accept
4,093
Students
$13,046
Net Price
53%
Grad Rate
$43,500
Earnings
10 yr
$12,500
Debt

About This School

Washburn University is a public institution located in Topeka, Kansas with approximately 4,093 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $13,046 per year. The graduation rate is 53%, and the typical graduate earns $43,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the low average net price of $13,046/year and modest debt at graduation ($12,500) make this one of the more affordable public university options you'll find, which matters. However, a 53% graduation rate and 69% freshman retention rate are real warning signs — roughly half of students who start here don't finish, so you'd want to ask hard questions about academic support and your own readiness before committing. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear program in mind, but come in with a plan.

Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Health Professions38%
Business & Marketing9%
Communications4%
Psychology4%
Education3%
Social Sciences3%
Visual & Performing Arts3%
Computer Science2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,578
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,582
Avg Net Price
$13,046
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants31%
Median debt at graduation$12,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
53%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
69%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$43,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.5x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White62%
Black8%
Hispanic/Latino15%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,093 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Washburn University

1700 SW College Avenue

Topeka, KS 66621

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Kansas

Browse all Kansas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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