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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $20,949 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,582 |
| Room and Board | $10,759 |
| Books and Supplies | $970 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,903 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,046 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,589 |
| $30–48k | $10,136 |
| $48–75k | $13,702 |
| $75–110k | $17,518 |
| $110k+ | $17,323 |
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.
Washburn University enrolls 30.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating significant service to lower-income families and creating aid distribution patterns that support diverse economic backgrounds. The $7,903 difference between sticker price and average net cost demonstrates substantial financial aid impact across the student body.
Net prices by income tier show concentrated aid delivery, with the lowest-income students receiving the most significant cost reductions. This progressive aid structure aligns with the institution's 37.8% first-generation student enrollment, reflecting commitment to serving families navigating higher education for the first time.
The institution's strong transfer student share of 39.5% also benefits from these aid patterns, supporting non-traditional educational pathways and career advancement goals.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Washburn University maintains excellent debt management with graduates carrying significantly lower debt burdens than peer institutions. Median student debt reaches $18,127, ranking at the 79th percentile nationally for favorable debt levels and falling $2,978 below the peer median of $21,105.
Debt distribution spans from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing patterns across the student body. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 falls well within manageable territory, meaning graduates typically owe less than four-tenths of their annual income.
Parent PLUS borrowing shows median debt of $12,993 with monthly payments of $171, representing additional family investment patterns. This debt management excellence supports the institution's 84.6th percentile affordability ranking, demonstrating that Washburn University successfully combines accessible education with sustainable post-graduation financial obligations.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Washburn University delivers solid return on educational investment through controlled costs and earnings beyond expectations. Graduates earn $5,463 above predicted outcomes based on their backgrounds, ranking at the 75.2nd percentile nationally and achieving well above average performance in earnings uplift.
Median earnings of $49,774 combine with below-peer debt levels to create favorable financial conditions for graduates. The institution's debt advantage of $2,978 compared to peer median strengthens the overall value proposition, while earnings performance maintains competitiveness at around the national average.
Strong affordability performance at the 84.6th percentile indicates exceptional cost management relative to outcomes delivered. This combination positions Washburn University as a strong value choice for students prioritizing affordability, debt management, and practical career preparation across healthcare, business, and professional fields.
