1865
Topeka, KS

About Washburn University

Founded on the belief that everyone has the right to an education, Washburn University operates to enrich students’ lives through realizing their intellectual, professional, and academic potential. Graduates step into leading productive lives as responsible citizens. WU is committed to:

  • Excellence in teaching
  • Scholarly work
  • Quality academic programs
  • Professional development
  • High levels of faculty-student interaction

Located in Topeka, Kansas, even Toto would agree that it is a fine place to call “home,” even if earning a degree online. WU provides online degree programs at the following levels:

  • Online certificates
  • Online associates degrees
  • Online bachelor’s degrees
  • Online master’s degrees
  • Online doctor of nursing practice degrees and more

Distance learning students enjoy support from their professors, classmates, and the Information Technology Services department. Attain the education you want through a premier public institution recognized for providing superior teaching-focused and student-centered learning experiences.

Accreditation & Licensing

Washburn University is accredited by:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Type:

4-year, Public

Highest Level Offered:

Doctor's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Not applicable

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 5,702 ; Graduate: 815

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 15% ; Graduate: 22%

Graduation Rate:

53%

Transfer Rate:

26%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$49,774

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$18,127

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

70%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$9,021

Yellow Ribbon Program:

Yes

Credit for Military Training:

Yes

Online Programs offered by Washburn University

Check Program Availability

All Programs

Criminal Justice, Safety & Law

Best Buy degree
Master of Criminal Justice

Healthcare

Bachelor of Health Science
Popular degree
Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Popular degree
Certificate in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Popular degree
Certificate in Radiation Therapy

Nursing

Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP)
Best Buy degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (with APRN-NP)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (without APRN-NP)
Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Psychology & Human Services

Best Buy degree
Associate of Arts in Human Services
Bachelor of Applied Science in Family & Human Services
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Best Buy degree
Master of Arts in Human Services / Addiction Counseling
GetEducated Team Takes
Tony’s Take

Washburn does a great job with day-to-day support. Professors are easy to reach, and classes stay small. Advisors are kind and helpful when students pick a major. Students coming back after a break are welcomed and guided well.

Classes feel personal but still challenging. Professors know students by name and push them to grow. The Bods Feeding Bods Food Pantry adds hands-on service work that connects learning to real needs.

Washburn is a strong fit for students who want clear expectations, close contact with instructors, and steady guidance from start to finish.

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Reviewed By GetEducated
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Frequently Asked Questions About Washburn University

Is Washburn University accredited?

Yes. Washburn University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

How many online programs does Washburn University offer?

Washburn University offers 14 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.

What degree levels does Washburn University offer?

Washburn University offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.

How should students contact admissions at Washburn University?

Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.

Is Washburn University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?

Roughly speaking, Washburn University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.

How quickly can I enroll at Washburn University?

Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.

What should transfer students ask Washburn University first?

The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.

What GPA do most Washburn University programs require?

Most listed programs require at least a 2.5 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.5 to 3.0.

Is Washburn University military friendly?

Washburn University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.

How can students request information from Washburn University through GetEducated?

Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.

What documents are most commonly required for Washburn University applications?

Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Occupational License, Official High School Transcript/GED Score, and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.

Does Washburn University accept life experience credit?

Washburn University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.

Are Washburn University programs fully online or mixed?

Washburn University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.

What kinds of online programs does Washburn University offer?

Washburn University has online program options in areas such as Nursing, Healthcare, Psychology & Human Services, and Criminal Justice, Safety & Law; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.

Do any Washburn University programs have specialized accreditation?

Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP); Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Washburn University?

For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.

Do any Washburn University programs have state authorization limitations?

Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.

How often can students start at Washburn University?

Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Washburn University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.

How should working adults compare Washburn University programs?

Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.

What should students compare before choosing a Washburn University program?

Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.

Featured Ranking Reports

Washburn University is featured in 6 of our ranking reports!

GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.

We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.

Geographic and Educational Overview

Google Map

Washburn University is located in Kansas

Kansas at a Glance:

State flag of KS
Topeka
2,937,880
82,278 sq mi
6
25
19
$9,200.00

Top Incentives in Kansas:

Top Career Pathways in Kansas:

Aerospace Engineering
  • Entry Level: Manufacturing Engineer ($65,000)
  • Mid Level: Senior Engineer ($95,000)
  • Senior Level: Engineering Director ($150,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Aerospace Engineering
  • Certifications: PE, PMP, Six Sigma
Agricultural Management
  • Entry Level: Farm Operations Manager ($55,000)
  • Mid Level: Agricultural Director ($85,000)
  • Senior Level: Agribusiness Executive ($130,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Agricultural Science
  • Certifications: CCA, CPAg
Information Technology
  • Entry Level: IT Analyst ($60,000)
  • Mid Level: IT Manager ($95,000)
  • Senior Level: IT Director ($140,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Information Technology
  • Certifications: CISSP, PMP, AWS
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced