Washburn University vs Bethel College-North Newton: 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 85.6 years at Bethel College-North Newton, on median earnings of $49,774 vs $49,898 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Washburn University | Bethel College-North Newton |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,280 | $32,917 |
| Total net cost | $61,120 | $131,668 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,774 | $49,898 |
| Median debt | $18,127 | $24,000 |
| Payback | 43.2 yrs | 85.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$32,840 | -$100,908 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Washburn University or Bethel College-North Newton?
Washburn University, at $15,280 a year after aid versus $32,917 — a gap of $17,637 a year, or $70,548 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 Bethel College-North Newton graduates earn more?
Bethel College-North Newton graduates report a median $49,898 ten years after entry, $124 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 Bethel College-North Newton?
Washburn University: its completers carry a median $18,127 in federal loans versus $24,000 at Bethel College-North Newton, a difference of $5,873. 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 41% at Bethel College-North Newton. 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.