KU vs. Washburn University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kansas is larger than Washburn University based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 6,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting); Washburn University is in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting).
• University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kansas 18:1; Washburn University 15:1.

KU vs. Washburn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KU 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 KU ($11,488 vs. $19,205).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kansas are 1.2% lower than at Washburn University ($11,358 vs. $11,501).
• University of Kansas is 21.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $2,157 more per year; $12,102.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.3% higher at KU than at Washburn University (about $9,483 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $20,949.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washburn University than at University of Kansas (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kansas students is 18% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($11,541 vs. $9,781).

KU vs. Washburn University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KU 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 KU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 1070/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KU - Test optional; Washburn University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Washburn University (3.46).

KU vs. Washburn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KU 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).

• University of Kansas's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than Washburn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $3,600 lower median loan debt than KU graduates ($16,900 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than KU graduates ($174 vs. $211).
• More KU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.