Pittsburg State University vs Washburn Institute of Technology: which has better ROI?
Washburn Institute of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $34,428 in 24.3 years versus 28.5 years at Pittsburg State University, on median earnings of $49,774 vs $50,579 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Pittsburg State University | Washburn Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,784 | $8,607 |
| Total net cost | $63,136 | $34,428 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,579 | $49,774 |
| Median debt | $18,969 | $18,127 |
| Payback | 28.5 yrs | 24.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$18,756 | -$6,148 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Pittsburg State University or Washburn Institute of Technology?
Washburn Institute of Technology, at $8,607 a year after aid versus $15,784 — a gap of $7,177 a year, or $28,708 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Pittsburg State University or Washburn Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Pittsburg State University graduates report a median $50,579 ten years after entry, $805 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, Pittsburg State University or Washburn Institute of Technology?
Washburn Institute of Technology: its completers carry a median $18,127 in federal loans versus $18,969 at Pittsburg State University, a difference of $842. 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 57% at Pittsburg 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.