K-State vs. Washburn University

Comparable Facts

Compare Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS with Washburn University in Topeka, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kansas State University is larger than Washburn University based on total student enrollment (20,295 students vs. 6,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, KS (Remote Town setting); Washburn University is in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting).
• Kansas State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kansas State University 19:1; Washburn University 15:1.

K-State vs. Washburn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, K-State or Washburn University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Washburn University than K-State ($11,488 vs. $20,527).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washburn University are 10.4% lower than at Kansas State University ($11,501 vs. $12,830).
• Kansas State University is 12.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $1,276 more per year; $11,221.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.4% higher at K-State than at Washburn University (about $7,619 more per year; $28,568.00 vs. $20,949.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washburn University than at Kansas State University (95% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washburn University students is 5.5% larger than aid received by Kansas State University students ($9,781 vs. $9,270).

K-State vs. Washburn University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, K-State or Washburn University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Washburn University and K-State.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kansas State University 1060/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kansas State University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: K-State - Test optional; Washburn University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman K-State students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Washburn University (3.46).

K-State vs. Washburn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for K-State and Washburn University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Kansas State University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from Kansas State University earn a median of about $7,400 more per year than Washburn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,700 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $5,600 lower median loan debt than K-State graduates ($16,900 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than K-State graduates ($174 vs. $232).
• More K-State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 49%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.