Washburn University vs Benedictine College: which has better ROI?
Benedictine College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $111,564 in 23.2 years versus 43.2 years at Washburn University, on median earnings of $53,175 vs $49,774 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Washburn University | Benedictine College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,280 | $27,891 |
| Total net cost | $61,120 | $111,564 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,774 | $53,175 |
| Median debt | $18,127 | $24,599 |
| Payback | 43.2 yrs | 23.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$32,840 | -$15,264 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Washburn University or Benedictine College?
Washburn University, at $15,280 a year after aid versus $27,891 — a gap of $12,611 a year, or $50,444 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Washburn University or Benedictine College graduates earn more?
Benedictine College graduates report a median $53,175 ten years after entry, $3,401 more than the $49,774 at Washburn 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, Washburn University or Benedictine College?
Washburn University: its completers carry a median $18,127 in federal loans versus $24,599 at Benedictine College, a difference of $6,472. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
62% of students finish at Benedictine College, against 53% at Washburn 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.