Wichita State University vs Washburn Institute of Technology: which has better ROI?
Wichita State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $52,776 in 16.6 years versus 24.3 years at Washburn Institute of Technology, on median earnings of $51,532 vs $49,774 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Wichita State University | Washburn Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,194 | $8,607 |
| Total net cost | $52,776 | $34,428 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,532 | $49,774 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $18,127 |
| Payback | 16.6 yrs | 24.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $10,664 | -$6,148 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Wichita State University or Washburn Institute of Technology?
Washburn Institute of Technology, at $8,607 a year after aid versus $13,194 — a gap of $4,587 a year, or $18,348 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Wichita State University or Washburn Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Wichita State University graduates report a median $51,532 ten years after entry, $1,758 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, Wichita State University or Washburn Institute of Technology?
Washburn Institute of Technology: its completers carry a median $18,127 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Wichita State University, a difference of $2,373. 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 51% at Wichita 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.