University of Kansas vs Washburn University
A side-by-side look at cost, graduate earnings, debt and return on investment. The better figure in each row is highlighted.
| University of Kansas Lawrence, KS | Washburn University Topeka, KS | |
|---|---|---|
| ROI verdict | Strong return | Break-even |
| 10-year ROI | +177% | +0% |
| 10-year net gain | $141,391 | $274 |
| Median earnings (5 yr) | $67,128 | $51,800 |
| Median earnings (1 yr) | $51,167 | $45,386 |
| Average net price | $18,059 | $15,280 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $18,127 |
| Break-even | 3.6 yrs | 10 yrs |
| Graduation rate | 69% | 53% |
| Admission rate | 94% | — |
University of Kansas
Strong return
+$141,391 over 10 years
Graduate earnings clearly outpace the cost and debt — this degree pays back quickly.
Washburn University
Break-even
+$274 over 10 years
The payoff is roughly break-even — the degree recovers its cost, but slowly.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard. ROI is computed by Degree Return — see how. Read the methodology. Data as of 2024.