Washburn University vs Friends University: which has better ROI?
Friends University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $110,860 in 29.5 years versus 43.2 years at Washburn University, on median earnings of $52,113 vs $49,774 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Washburn University | Friends University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,280 | $27,715 |
| Total net cost | $61,120 | $110,860 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,774 | $52,113 |
| Median debt | $18,127 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 43.2 yrs | 29.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$32,840 | -$35,800 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Washburn University or Friends University?
Washburn University, at $15,280 a year after aid versus $27,715 — a gap of $12,435 a year, or $49,740 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 Friends University graduates earn more?
Friends University graduates report a median $52,113 ten years after entry, $2,339 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 Friends University?
Washburn University: its completers carry a median $18,127 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Friends University, a difference of $6,873. 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 43% at Friends 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.