Head-to-head · 2026
Washburn University vs Wichita State University
Compare average net price ($15,280 at Washburn University; $13,194 at Wichita State University), ROI score (8.14 vs 9.76), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($49,774 vs $51,532), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Washburn University; 94% at Wichita State 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 | Washburn University | Wichita State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.14 | 9.76 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $15,280 | $13,194 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $61,120 | $52,776 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $9,945 | $9,684 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,949 | $19,869 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $49,774 | $51,532 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 94% |
| Graduation rate | 53% ✓ | 51% |
| Retention rate | 68% | 69.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,127 ✓ | $20,500 |
| Enrollment | 4,562 | 10,780 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1092 |
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 | Washburn University | Wichita State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $20,310 | $9,734 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $9,693 ✓ | $9,696 |
| Family income $48–75k | $10,758 ✓ | $13,564 |
| Family income $75–110k | $13,922 ✓ | $16,893 |
| Family income $110k+ | $15,472 ✓ | $19,184 |
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 | Washburn University | Wichita State University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 14.6% | 4.6% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | 9.6% | 1.5% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 6.7% | 4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 2.5% | 7.7% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 3.6% | 6.2% |
| Social Work | 4.7% | 4% |
| Psychology, General | 1.9% | 3.6% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 3.2% | 2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Wichita State University reports the lower average net price by $2,086 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $8,344 difference over four years ($52,776 vs $61,120).
Wichita State University reports $1,758 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($51,532 vs $49,774). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 68% at Washburn University and 69.3% at Wichita State University. Median federal debt among completers is $18,127 vs $20,500, 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
Washburn University vs Wichita State University, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Wichita State University is cheaper — average net price $13,194 per year vs $15,280 at Washburn University. The annual difference of $2,086 adds up to about $8,344 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Wichita State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $51,532 vs $49,774 at Washburn University. The gap in the federal data is $1,758. 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.