Washburn University
About Washburn University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Washburn University is a public university in Topeka, Kansas. It offers programs in law, nursing, business, and criminal justice. Despite being publicly funded, Washburn operates as a municipal university governed by its own board.
Founded
1865
Location
Topeka, Kansas
Students
5,264
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
53%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$9,945
Out-of-state: $20,949
Avg Net Price
$15,280
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$49,774
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
53% complete their degree within six years
Retention
68%
4-Year Grad
27%
6-Year Grad
44%
Teaching Quality
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
61.7%
$/Student
$10.4K
Class Size
Medium
The 27% graduation rate is below average, but 68% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,945
In-State
$20,949
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,501
Books & Supplies
$807
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,512
After Financial Aid
$15,280
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$20,310
Receive Grants
33.6%
Take Loans
31%
The full cost of attendance is about $21,512/yr for in-state students, including $11,501 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $15,280. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $20,949.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Washburn University fund their education.
While in School
33.6%
Get Grants
Free money
31%
Take Loans
Must repay
$36,446
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$18,127
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$192/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $18,127. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Washburn University.
Gender
66.1%
Female
34%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,562
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
702
Graduates
37.8%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
19.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 66% of the student body. 37.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 5.7% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
4,562
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Washburn University fields 9 varsity teams with 623 student athletes, about 14% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Mid-America
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
623
14% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
62% / 38%
387
Men
236
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Washburn Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$49,774
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$71K
141 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$40K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Health and Medical Administrative Services
$52K
45 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$38K
44 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$50K
39 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Work
$38K
33 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $43K six years out, growing to $50K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Washburn University
How much does Washburn University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Washburn University?▾
How much do Washburn University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.