Washburn University combines well above average affordability performance with solid career preparation, particularly in healthcare and professional fields. The institution delivers earnings beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels significantly below peer institutions, supporting sustainable post-graduation financial outcomes.
With above average outcomes, supported by earnings beyond expectations and solid career preparation
With well above average performance, driven by controlled costs and manageable debt levels
With above average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
Around the national average, reflecting balanced outcomes for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisWashburn University delivers solid post-graduation outcomes with exceptional debt management. Graduates earn $5,463 beyond expectations, placing the institution at the 75.2nd percentile nationally for earnings uplift and achieving well above average performance in this measure.
Median earnings reach $49,774 ten years after enrollment, with outcomes spanning from $32,138 at the 25th percentile to $69,324 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career paths across professional programs. Low-income graduates earn $37,200, demonstrating the institution's ability to serve students from lower-income backgrounds with meaningful career outcomes.
Students seeking affordable public education with strong healthcare and professional programs. Well-suited for first-generation and Pell-eligible students who prioritize manageable debt levels and practical career preparation.
Particularly strong for those interested in nursing, allied health, or business programs with demonstrated employment outcomes.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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Strong affordability with manageable debt levels
Washburn University leads with strong affordability performance, ranking at the 84.6th percentile nationally with well above average cost management. Located in Topeka, Kansas, this medium-sized public university maintains open access while delivering practical career preparation across 17 degree programs.
Washburn University enrolls 30.5% Pell-eligible students and 37.8% first-generation students, reflecting its commitment to serving diverse student populations. The institution accepts 39.5% transfer students, indicating strong pathways for community college graduates and career changers.
Graduates earn $5,463 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 75.2nd percentile nationally for earnings uplift. With median earnings of $49,774 ten years after enrollment, Washburn University combines affordable education with solid post-graduation outcomes, positioning it as an Opportunity Builder institution that emphasizes practical career preparation and financial accessibility.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Washburn University maintains affordable public education pricing with strong financial aid support for students across income levels. The published cost of attendance is $20,949 annually, including $9,578 in in-state tuition, $10,759 for room and board, and $970 for books and supplies.
The average student pays $13,046 after financial aid, representing savings of $7,903 through institutional and federal aid programs. This net price falls $1,047 above the peer median of $14,093, positioning Washburn University competitively within the public higher education landscape.
Out-of-state students face higher tuition at $20,582, though financial aid helps reduce the effective cost burden. The institution's affordability index ranks at the 84.6th percentile nationally, demonstrating well above average performance in cost management and financial accessibility.
Strong debt management accompanies these affordable prices, with graduates carrying median debt of $18,127, significantly below peer institutions. This combination of controlled costs and manageable borrowing supports Washburn University's mission of providing accessible public education.
Washburn University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression and strong institutional support for degree completion. Median earnings grow from $42,881 six years after enrollment to $45,837 at eight years and $49,774 at ten years, representing 16.1% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 2,627 graduates, providing solid confidence in reported figures across the institution's program portfolio. Graduates earn $5,463 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Washburn University in the 75.2nd percentile for earnings uplift and demonstrating well above average performance in translating student backgrounds into career outcomes.
Low-income graduates earn $37,200, indicating meaningful economic advancement for students from lower-income families. The institution maintains a 69.2% retention rate and 52.6% completion rate, with Pell-eligible students completing at 45.1%.
Approximately 30.4% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
149 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
22 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
39 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
33 graduates
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.
37 graduates
Washburn University offers 17 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings tracking, emphasizing healthcare, business, and professional preparation. Adult Health Nursing ranks #186 nationally and #2 in Kansas, graduating 149 students with median earnings of $64,619 and representing the institution's largest program at 20.8% of graduates.
Clinical Research Coordinator ranks #38 nationally and #1 in Kansas, producing 76 graduates with median earnings of $50,420 and a strong value score of 47.9. Allied Health Diagnostic programs rank #36 nationally and #1 in Kansas, graduating 37 students with median earnings of $58,291 and the highest value score of 52.7.
Digital Marketing ranks #134 nationally and #3 in Kansas, with 44 graduates earning $57,133. Communication and Media Studies graduates 56 students annually with median earnings of $41,062, ranking #175 nationally and #3 in Kansas.
These programs reflect Washburn University's strength in applied professional fields with direct career pathways.
