Washburn University vs. UNK

Comparable Facts

Compare Washburn University in Topeka, KS with University of Nebraska at Kearney in Kearney, NE on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washburn University is larger than UNK based on total student enrollment (6,033 students vs. 5,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washburn University is located in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting); University of Nebraska at Kearney is in Kearney, NE (Remote Town setting).
• Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Nebraska at Kearney is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washburn University 15:1; University of Nebraska at Kearney 14:1.

Washburn University vs. UNK Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washburn University or UNK? 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 UNK ($11,488 vs. $16,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washburn University are 5.7% lower than at University of Nebraska at Kearney ($11,501 vs. $12,198).
• Washburn University is 14.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNK (about $1,269 more per year; $9,945.00 vs. $8,676.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.1% higher at Washburn University than at University of Nebraska at Kearney (about $5,665 more per year; $20,949.00 vs. $15,284.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washburn University than at University of Nebraska at Kearney (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washburn University students is 0.1% larger than aid received by University of Nebraska at Kearney students ($9,781 vs. $9,776).

Washburn University vs. UNK Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washburn University or UNK? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UNK and Washburn University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of Nebraska at Kearney 905/1125.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of Nebraska at Kearney 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Washburn University - Not reported; UNK - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UNK Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washburn University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at UNK (3.24).

Washburn University vs. UNK Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washburn University and UNK? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Nebraska at Kearney's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of Nebraska at Kearney earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Washburn University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,400 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $4,350 lower median loan debt than UNK graduates ($16,900 vs. $21,250).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNK graduates ($174 vs. $219).
• More UNK graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.