Topeka, KS · Private University
Is Washburn University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$49,774
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,578
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,582
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$82,328
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.42x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
52.6%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$18,127
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$13,046
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Washburn University graduates earn $4,774 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Washburn University ranked by graduate earnings
231 graduates
24 graduates
33 graduates
24 graduates
41 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Washburn University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $64,619 | 3.1x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General(1yr data) | $64,361 | 3.1x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $59,834 | 2.9x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $58,768 | 2.9x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $58,291 | 2.8x |
| Marketing | $57,133 | 2.8x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $55,073 | 2.7x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $50,420 | 2.5x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $47,413 | 2.3x |
| Social Work | $45,074 | 2.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $42,831 | 2.1x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $42,183 | 2.0x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $41,062 | 2.0x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $40,649 | 2.0x |
| Security Science and Technology(1yr data) | $39,252 | 1.9x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $38,670 | 1.9x |
| Psychology, GeneralLowest | $37,297 | 1.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Washburn University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $49,774 10 years after starting, $4,774 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.6 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.