Washburn 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 43.2 years at Washburn University, on median earnings of $49,774 vs $49,774 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Washburn University | Washburn Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,280 | $8,607 |
| Total net cost | $61,120 | $34,428 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,774 | $49,774 |
| Median debt | $18,127 | $18,127 |
| Payback | 43.2 yrs | 24.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$32,840 | -$6,148 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Washburn University or Washburn Institute of Technology?
Washburn Institute of Technology, at $8,607 a year after aid versus $15,280 — a gap of $6,673 a year, or $26,692 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 Washburn Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Graduates of both report a median $49,774 ten years after entry, so earnings do not separate them either — the ROI difference comes entirely from what each degree costs. Figures are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, not programme-level pay.
Which leaves students with less debt, Washburn University or Washburn Institute of Technology?
Completers at both borrow a median $18,127, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at Washburn Institute of Technology, 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.