Washburn University vs. UW-La Crosse

Comparable Facts

Compare Washburn University in Topeka, KS with University of Wisconsin La Crosse in La Crosse, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Wisconsin La Crosse is larger than Washburn University based on total student enrollment (10,446 students vs. 6,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washburn University is located in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting); University of Wisconsin La Crosse is in La Crosse, WI (Small City setting).
• Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washburn University 15:1; University of Wisconsin La Crosse 20:1.

Washburn University vs. UW-La Crosse Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washburn University or UW-La Crosse? 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 UW-La Crosse ($11,488 vs. $14,712).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Wisconsin La Crosse are 24.3% lower than at Washburn University ($8,702 vs. $11,501).
• University of Wisconsin La Crosse is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $125 more per year; $10,070.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.3% higher at Washburn University than at University of Wisconsin La Crosse (about $1,432 more per year; $20,949.00 vs. $19,517.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washburn University than at University of Wisconsin La Crosse (95% vs. 44%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washburn University students is 117.4% larger than aid received by University of Wisconsin La Crosse students ($9,781 vs. $4,499).

Washburn University vs. UW-La Crosse Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washburn University or UW-La Crosse? 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 UW-La Crosse and Washburn University.

• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of Wisconsin La Crosse 22/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washburn University - Not reported; UW-La Crosse - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman UW-La Crosse students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Washburn University (3.46).

Washburn University vs. UW-La Crosse Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washburn University and UW-La Crosse? 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 Wisconsin La Crosse's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Wisconsin La Crosse earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Washburn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,500 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $6,350 lower median loan debt than UW-La Crosse graduates ($16,900 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UW-La Crosse graduates ($174 vs. $240).
• More UW-La Crosse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.