Washburn University vs. MWSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Washburn University in Topeka, KS with Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washburn University is larger than MWSU based on total student enrollment (6,033 students vs. 3,716 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washburn University is located in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting); Missouri Western State University is in Saint Joseph, MO (Small City setting).
• Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Missouri Western State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washburn University 15:1; Missouri Western State University 15:1.

Washburn University vs. MWSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washburn University or MWSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Washburn University than MWSU ($11,488 vs. $13,126).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washburn University are 6.6% lower than at Missouri Western State University ($11,501 vs. $12,311).
• Missouri Western State University is 3.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $361 more per year; $10,306.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.4% higher at Washburn University than at Missouri Western State University (about $83 more per year; $20,949.00 vs. $20,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Missouri Western State University than at Washburn University (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washburn University students is 5.8% larger than aid received by Missouri Western State University students ($9,781 vs. $9,245).

Washburn University vs. MWSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washburn University or MWSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between MWSU and Washburn University.

• Missouri Western State University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washburn University - Not reported; MWSU - Open admission.
• Enrolled freshman Washburn University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at MWSU (3.25).

Washburn University vs. MWSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washburn University and MWSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Washburn University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Missouri Western State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Washburn University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than MWSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $36,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $4,918 lower median loan debt than MWSU graduates ($16,900 vs. $21,818).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MWSU graduates ($174 vs. $225).
• More MWSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 49%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.