Washburn University (WU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Washburn University
Set in the state capital, Washburn University is known for practical, student-centered academics that blend liberal arts and sciences with strong professional and health-related fields. Classrooms, studios and labs feel current, and the library and success services offer advising, tutoring and counseling. The vibe is welcoming and Midwestern. Faculty stay accessible, and learning tilts hands-on.
Student life runs active, from rec-center workouts and intramurals to performances, student media and service. Career prep shows up in internships, clinical work and networking that tap public agencies, courts, hospitals and companies nearby. Living in Topeka brings museums, parks and a steady arts scene, plus chances to test-drive careers. Distinctive spirit comes with the Ichabods nickname and top-hat mascot, with traditions that are a little quirky. Notable alumni include U.S. Senator Bob Dole.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Washburn University (WU) offers 81 degree programs across 23 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,323 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Health (18 programs, 431 graduates), Business (12 programs, 180 graduates), Law (3 programs, 103 graduates), Liberal Arts (1 programs, 100 graduates) and Public Services (2 programs, 65 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Health (18 programs, 431 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 130 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | 46 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Bachelor's
|
51.0910 |
| Health Administration and Management | 39 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.0701 |
| Medical Radiologic Technology | 39 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0907 |
| Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing | 32 |
|
Post-Master's
|
51.3810 |
| Radiologic Technology | 22 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0911 |
| Trauma Counseling | 21 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
51.1513 |
| Substance Abuse Counseling | 18 |
|
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
51.1501 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 17 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0806 |
| Nursing Practice | 17 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.3818 |
| Respiratory Care Therapy | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0908 |
| Surgical Technology | 11 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0909 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0803 |
| Health Professions Education | 5 |
|
Master's
|
51.3202 |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology | 4 |
|
Other Award
|
51.0920 |
| Clinical Laboratory Science and Medical Technology | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1005 |
| Health Information Technology | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0707 |
| Health Services Administration | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2211 |
Business (12 programs, 180 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 53 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Finance, General | 33 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
| Marketing Management | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Accounting | 27 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0301 |
| Management Science | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1301 |
| Business Economics | 9 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0601 |
| Small Business Management | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0703 |
| Insurance Studies | 6 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
52.1701 |
| Administrative Assistant Science | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0401 |
| International Business and Trade | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1101 |
| Nonprofit and Organizational Management | 1 |
|
Postbac Cert.
|
52.0206 |
| Organizational Leadership | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
52.0213 |
Law (3 programs, 103 graduates)
Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | 96 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
22.0101 |
| Foreign Law Programs | 6 |
|
Master's
|
22.0202 |
| Advanced Legal Research and Studies | 1 |
|
Master's
|
22.0201 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 100 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 100 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
Public Services (2 programs, 65 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 60 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
44.0701 |
| Public Administration | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
44.0401 |
Communication (3 programs, 56 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass Communication and Media Studies | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0102 |
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 18 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
| Organizational Communication | 12 |
|
Master's
|
09.0901 |
Security & Safety (6 programs, 55 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminalistics and Criminal Science | 30 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0402 |
| Criminal Justice Administration | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0103 |
| CNC Machinist Technology | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0102 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 2 |
|
Associate's
Master's
|
43.0100 |
| Securities Services Management | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0112 |
| Forensic Science and Technology | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0406 |
Psychology (1 programs, 49 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 49 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
42.0101 |
Education (10 programs, 47 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 22 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Special Education Teaching | 7 |
|
Master's
|
13.1001 |
| English Language Arts Teacher Education | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1305 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development in Specific Subject Areas | 4 |
|
Post-Master's
|
13.1399 |
| Art Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1302 |
| Music Teacher Education | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 1 |
|
Master's
|
13.0301 |
| Early Childhood Education | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
13.1210 |
| Reading Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Master's
|
13.1315 |
| Social Studies Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1318 |
Interdisciplinary (2 programs, 36 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi- and Interdisciplinary Studies | 30 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.9999 |
| Science, Technology, and Society | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
30.1501 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Washburn University (WU)
How much does it cost to attend Washburn University (WU)?
The annual tuition at Washburn University (WU) is $9,578 for in-state students and $20,582 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $23,787 for in-state students and $34,791 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $10,759 (on) / $10,931 (off) and books and supplies $970.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Washburn University offer?
Washburn University (WU) offers 81 academic programs across 23 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Professional), Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (18 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (12 programs)
- Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice (3 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
- Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Washburn University?
Washburn University (WU) provides financial aid to 16% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $8,048 and average loans of $5,926.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,590
- State/Local grants: $2,763
- Institutional grants: $4,944
- Federal loans: $5,135
The university supports 618 students with grants and 276 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Washburn University graduates?
Washburn University (WU) graduates earn a median salary of $42,881 after 6 years and $49,774 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $32,138 (25th percentile) to $69,324 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $70,200 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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