Southwestern College vs. Washburn University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southwestern College in Winfield, KS with Washburn University in Topeka, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washburn University is larger than Southwestern College based on total student enrollment (6,033 students vs. 1,041 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southwestern College is located in Winfield, KS (Distant Town setting); Washburn University is in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting).
• Southwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southwestern College 10:1; Washburn University 15:1.

Southwestern College vs. Washburn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southwestern College 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 Southwestern College ($11,488 vs. $29,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern College are 0.3% lower than at Washburn University ($11,465 vs. $11,501).
• Southwestern College is 300.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $29,877 more per year; $39,822.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.1% higher at Southwestern College than at Washburn University (about $18,873 more per year; $39,822.00 vs. $20,949.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southwestern College than at Washburn University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwestern College students is 195.8% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($28,936 vs. $9,781).

Southwestern College vs. Washburn University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southwestern College 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 Southwestern College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwestern College 900/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwestern College 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southwestern College - Test-free; Washburn University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwestern College Aug 22, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washburn University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at Southwestern College (3.33).

Southwestern College vs. Washburn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southwestern College 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).

• Southwestern College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from Southwestern College earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than Washburn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,100 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $8,850 lower median loan debt than Southwestern College graduates ($16,900 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $92 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southwestern College graduates ($174 vs. $266).
• More Southwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.