Washburn University vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

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

Wichita State University is larger than Washburn University based on total student enrollment (16,689 students vs. 6,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Washburn University vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washburn University or WSU? 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 WSU ($11,488 vs. $14,228).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washburn University are 7.4% lower than at Wichita State University ($11,501 vs. $12,420).
• Washburn University is 2.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $261 more per year; $9,945.00 vs. $9,684.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at Washburn University than at Wichita State University (about $1,080 more per year; $20,949.00 vs. $19,869.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washburn University than at Wichita State University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washburn University students is 20.4% larger than aid received by Wichita State University students ($9,781 vs. $8,125).

Washburn University vs. WSU Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWichita State University 905/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWichita State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washburn University - Not reported; WSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WSU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Washburn University (3.46).

Washburn University vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washburn University and WSU? 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).

• Wichita State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from Wichita State University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Washburn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,800 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 WSU graduates ($16,900 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSU graduates ($174 vs. $211).
• More WSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.