Head-to-head · 2026
Kansas State University vs Washburn University
Compare average net price ($19,406 at Kansas State University; $15,280 at Washburn University), ROI score (7.38 vs 8.14), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($57,262 vs $49,774), and admissions context (81.7% at Kansas State University; Open / not reported at Washburn University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Kansas State University | Washburn University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.38 | 8.14 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $19,406 | $15,280 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $77,624 | $61,120 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $11,221 | $9,945 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $28,568 | $20,949 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $57,262 ✓ | $49,774 |
| Acceptance rate | 81.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 71.1% ✓ | 53% |
| Retention rate | 85.6% ✓ | 68% |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $18,127 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 15,142 | 4,562 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1151 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Kansas State University | Washburn University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $13,178 ✓ | $20,310 |
| Family income $30–48k | $14,143 | $9,693 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,369 | $10,758 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $20,110 | $13,922 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $23,665 | $15,472 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Kansas State University | Washburn University |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | 0.5% | 9.6% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 7% | 2.5% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.1% | 3.6% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 4.8% | 2.4% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 0.2% | 6.7% |
| Marketing | 3.5% | 2.1% |
| Social Work | 0.5% | 4.7% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 2.8% | 2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Washburn University reports the lower average net price by $4,126 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $16,504 difference over four years ($61,120 vs $77,624).
Kansas State University reports $7,488 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($57,262 vs $49,774). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 85.6% at Kansas State University and 68% at Washburn University. Median federal debt among completers is $21,250 vs $18,127, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Kansas State University vs Washburn University, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Washburn University is cheaper — average net price $15,280 per year vs $19,406 at Kansas State University. The annual difference of $4,126 adds up to about $16,504 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Kansas State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $57,262 vs $49,774 at Washburn University. The gap in the federal data is $7,488. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.