Fort Hays State University vs Washburn University: which has better ROI?
Washburn University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,120 in 43.2 years versus 88.5 years at Fort Hays State University, on median earnings of $49,774 vs $48,928 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Fort Hays State University | Washburn University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,569 | $15,280 |
| Total net cost | $50,276 | $61,120 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,928 | $49,774 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $18,127 |
| Payback | 88.5 yrs | 43.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$38,916 | -$32,840 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Fort Hays State University or Washburn University?
Fort Hays State University, at $12,569 a year after aid versus $15,280 — a gap of $2,711 a year, or $10,844 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Fort Hays State University or Washburn University graduates earn more?
Washburn University graduates report a median $49,774 ten years after entry, $846 more than the $48,928 at Fort Hays State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Fort Hays State University or Washburn University?
Washburn University: its completers carry a median $18,127 in federal loans versus $21,000 at Fort Hays State University, a difference of $2,873. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at Washburn University, against 48% at Fort Hays State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.