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Kansas Wesleyan University vs Washburn Institute of Technology: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Salina KS · vs · Public, Topeka KS

The verdict

Washburn Institute of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $34,428 in 24.3 years versus 32.5 years at Kansas Wesleyan University, on median earnings of $49,774 vs $51,152 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureKansas Wesleyan UniversityWashburn Institute of Technology
Net price / yr$22,671$8,607
Total net cost$90,684$34,428
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,152$49,774
Median debt$23,250$18,127
Payback32.5 yrs24.3 yrs
20-year net return-$34,844-$6,148

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Kansas Wesleyan University or Washburn Institute of Technology?

Washburn Institute of Technology, at $8,607 a year after aid versus $22,671 — a gap of $14,064 a year, or $56,256 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Kansas Wesleyan University or Washburn Institute of Technology graduates earn more?

Kansas Wesleyan University graduates report a median $51,152 ten years after entry, $1,378 more than the $49,774 at Washburn Institute of Technology. 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, Kansas Wesleyan University or Washburn Institute of Technology?

Washburn Institute of Technology: its completers carry a median $18,127 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Kansas Wesleyan University, a difference of $5,123. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at Washburn Institute of Technology, against 49% at Kansas Wesleyan 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.

Kansas Wesleyan University vs Washburn Institute of Technology: frequently asked questions

Is Kansas Wesleyan University or Washburn Institute of Technology a better value?
Washburn Institute of Technology. It clears its $34,428 net cost in about 24.3 years versus 32.5 years at Kansas Wesleyan University, on median earnings of $49,774 vs $51,152 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Kansas Wesleyan University or Washburn Institute of Technology?
Washburn Institute of Technology: $8,607/yr net price after aid versus $22,671/yr at Kansas Wesleyan University — a difference of $14,064 a year, or about $56,256 over four years.
Do Kansas Wesleyan University or Washburn Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Kansas Wesleyan University graduates earn a median $51,152 ten years after entry, versus $49,774 at Washburn Institute of Technology — a $1,378 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.