About Washburn University
Washburn University has built a solid reputation around its law school and strong professional programs in business and nursing. The 4,093 students study in Topeka, Kansas's capital city setting, where they follow in the footsteps of notable graduates like Senator Bob Dole and environmental activist Erin Brockovich. The university's law program draws students from across the region, while its business and nursing schools prepare graduates for Kansas's growing healthcare and commerce sectors.
Students pay an average net price of $13,046, which represents solid value for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $49,774 ten years after leaving school, with relatively manageable debt loads averaging $18,127. Monthly loan payments of $192 reflect the school's commitment to keeping education affordable. The 96.2% employment rate suggests graduates find work readily after completing their programs.
The student body skews heavily female at 64.33%, reflecting strong enrollment in nursing and education programs. With 88.33% of students coming from Kansas, Washburn maintains deep ties to its home state community. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 52.60% six-year graduation rate suggests students need strong self-motivation to succeed. The Ichabods compete in 12 Division II sports, creating campus spirit without the pressure of major college athletics.
Students pay an average net price of $13,046, which represents solid value for a four-year degree. Graduates earn a median of $49,774 ten years after leaving school, with relatively manageable debt loads averaging $18,127. Monthly loan payments of $192 reflect the school's commitment to keeping education affordable. The 96.2% employment rate suggests graduates find work readily after completing their programs.
The student body skews heavily female at 64.33%, reflecting strong enrollment in nursing and education programs. With 88.33% of students coming from Kansas, Washburn maintains deep ties to its home state community. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 52.60% six-year graduation rate suggests students need strong self-motivation to succeed. The Ichabods compete in 12 Division II sports, creating campus spirit without the pressure of major college athletics.
Academics & Faculty
Washburn University built its reputation around its law school, which has trained Kansas political leaders for generations. The university offers strong programs in business and nursing that connect directly to regional job markets. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students get meaningful attention from professors. The 53% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face, as 88% of enrollment comes from Kansas residents who often balance jobs with coursework. Washburn operates as a full regional university rather than a research institution. This means professors focus on teaching undergraduate students instead of competing research demands. The nursing program maintains particularly strong clinical partnerships with local hospitals.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 61.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.6%
- Retention Rate
- 69.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,774
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $99,069 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,015 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,012 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $56,776 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $54,812 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $52,542 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,270 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $47,260 |
Campus Life
Washburn sits in Kansas's capital city, giving students access to government internships and job opportunities. With housing for just 852 students and total enrollment of 4,093, only about 21% live on campus. Most students commute from around Topeka or nearby towns, creating a more practical, less residential college atmosphere.
The 160-acre campus sits about an hour from Kansas City, close enough for weekend trips to Chiefs games or city nightlife. Kansas weather means hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snow, so pack both shorts and heavy coats. The student body is 64% female, reflecting strong nursing and education programs that draw many women.
With 88% of students from Kansas, you'll find a tight-knit, Midwestern vibe where people know each other. The Ichabods compete in Division II athletics with 424 student-athletes across 12 sports. Students often gather at football and basketball games or head to downtown Topeka's restaurants and bars. Greek life exists but isn't dominant. Many students work part-time jobs around the capital city while attending classes.
The 160-acre campus sits about an hour from Kansas City, close enough for weekend trips to Chiefs games or city nightlife. Kansas weather means hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snow, so pack both shorts and heavy coats. The student body is 64% female, reflecting strong nursing and education programs that draw many women.
With 88% of students from Kansas, you'll find a tight-knit, Midwestern vibe where people know each other. The Ichabods compete in Division II athletics with 424 student-athletes across 12 sports. Students often gather at football and basketball games or head to downtown Topeka's restaurants and bars. Greek life exists but isn't dominant. Many students work part-time jobs around the capital city while attending classes.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 852 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1865
Campus Safety (2023)
33 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–39°F
- July Avg
- 68°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 17.1"
Student Demographics
Washburn draws primarily Kansas natives, with 88% of students staying close to home for college. The student body skews heavily female at nearly two-thirds women, reflecting strong enrollment in the university's well-regarded nursing and education programs. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, showing Washburn serves many first-generation and working-class families from across Kansas. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic representation at 15% of enrollment. Students tend to be practical and career-focused, choosing Washburn for its affordable tuition and direct pathways into professions like law, healthcare, and business.
- Men
- 35.7%
- Women
- 64.3%
- White
- 61.5%
- Black
- 8.4%
- Hispanic
- 14.6%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 88.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.5%
Location
Washburn University sits in Topeka, Kansas's capital city, about 60 miles west of Kansas City. The campus occupies 160 acres in a mid-sized government town of roughly 125,000 people. Topeka combines state government offices with a modest college atmosphere, though it lacks the concentrated student energy of a traditional college town. The surrounding region features rolling prairie landscape typical of eastern Kansas. About 88% of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong Kansas roots. The city offers internship opportunities in state government and local businesses, complementing the university's career-focused programs. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Washburn University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Topeka, Kansas 66621
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,774
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,209
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $192/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,127
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student-faculty ratio at Washburn University?
Washburn University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 4,093 total students. This mid-sized public institution is known for its law school and strong programs in business and nursing.
How much does Washburn University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $13,046 after financial aid at Washburn University. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,589 on average, making this Kansas institution accessible to first-generation college students.
What is the graduation rate at Washburn University?
Washburn University has a 53.42% four-year graduation rate and 52.60% six-year graduation rate. The school retains 69.24% of first-year students, reflecting its supportive environment for the 88.33% of students who come from Kansas.
How much do Washburn University graduates earn?
Washburn University graduates earn a median salary of $49,774 ten years after graduation. With typical student loan debt of $18,127 and monthly payments of $192, graduates see strong returns on their investment in programs like law and nursing.
Is Washburn University a diverse campus?
Washburn University serves a student body that is 61.50% white, 14.61% Hispanic, and 8.40% Black. Women make up 64.33% of the 4,093 students, reflecting the university's strength in fields like nursing that traditionally attract more female students.
What makes Washburn University's athletic program unique?
Washburn University's teams are called the Ichabods, one of the most unusual nicknames in college sports. The school competes in NCAA Division II with 424 total athletes across 12 varsity sports, awarding $3,267,680 in athletic scholarships annually.
