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University of Kansas vs Washburn University

University of Kansas is a public university in Lawrence, KS. Washburn University is a public university in Topeka, KS. University of Kansas admits about 93% of applicants and Washburn University about 100%, making University of Kansas the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,280 a year at Washburn University after aid, and about $18,059 at University of Kansas. About 69% of students graduate at University of Kansas, compared with 53% at Washburn University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Kansas alumni earn a median of about $61,945, against $49,774 for Washburn University.

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University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public

Washburn University

Topeka, KS · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Lawrence, KS
Topeka, KS
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
21,217
4,562
Acceptance rate
93%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.71 avg
3.19–3.69
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1300
1010–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
20–28
16–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,059
$15,280
Full cost / yr
$26,751
$21,512
In-state tuition
$12,102
$9,945
Out-of-state tuition
$30,432
$20,949
Application fee
$40
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,544
$20,310
$30k - $48k
$12,942
$9,693
$48k - $75k
$15,154
$10,758
$75k - $110k
$19,169
$13,922
Over $110k
$22,544
$15,472
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
53%
Freshman retention
86%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,217
$42,881
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,945
$49,774
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$18,127
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
34%
First-generation students
22%
38%
International students
3%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Kansas or Washburn University harder to get into?
University of Kansas is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 100% at Washburn University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Kansas or Washburn University?
Washburn University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,280 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,059 at University of Kansas. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Kansas and Washburn University?
Before aid, Washburn University costs about $21,512 a year and University of Kansas about $26,751. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Kansas or Washburn University?
University of Kansas. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,544 there, against about $20,310 at Washburn University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Kansas or Washburn University?
University of Kansas is the larger of the two, with about 21,217 undergraduates against 4,562 at Washburn University.
Does University of Kansas or Washburn University have a better graduation rate?
University of Kansas has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 53% at Washburn University.
Do graduates of University of Kansas or Washburn University earn more?
University of Kansas alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,945 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,774 for Washburn University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Kansas and Washburn University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Kansas is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Washburn University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Kansas and Washburn University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1300 at University of Kansas and 1010–1210 at Washburn University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school