Washburn University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Washburn University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (6,033 students vs. 5,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washburn University is located in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washburn University 15:1; Columbia College 20:1.

Washburn University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washburn University or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College ($11,488 vs. $21,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 16.9% lower than at Washburn University ($9,552 vs. $11,501).
• Columbia College is 159.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $15,881 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.3% higher at Columbia College than at Washburn University (about $4,877 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $20,949.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washburn University than at Columbia College (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 62.4% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($15,882 vs. $9,781).

Washburn University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washburn University or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College and Washburn University.

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washburn University - Not reported; Columbia College - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Washburn University (3.46).

Washburn University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washburn University and Columbia College? 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from Washburn University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $5,134 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($16,900 vs. $22,034).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($174 vs. $227).
• More Washburn University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 40%)

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.