Head-to-head comparison
Washburn University vs McPherson College: which has better ROI?
Option A Topeka, KS
Washburn University
- Net price / year
- $15,280
- Earnings, 10 years
- $49,774
- Payback
- 43.2 yrs
Option B McPherson, KS
McPherson College
- Net price / year
- $26,441
- Earnings, 10 years
- $52,084
- Payback
- 28.4 yrs
McPherson College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $105,764 in 28.4 years versus 43.2 years at Washburn University, on median earnings of $52,084 vs $49,774 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Washburn University | McPherson College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,280 | $26,441 |
| Total net cost | $61,120 | $105,764 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,774 | $52,084 |
| Median debt | $18,127 | $25,242 |
| Payback | 43.2 yrs | 28.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$32,840 | -$31,284 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, Washburn University or McPherson College?
Washburn University, at $15,280 a year after aid versus $26,441 — a gap of $11,161 a year, or $44,644 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do Washburn University or McPherson College graduates earn more?
McPherson College graduates report a median $52,084 ten years after entry, $2,310 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.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, Washburn University or McPherson College?
Washburn University: its completers carry a median $18,127 in federal loans versus $25,242 at McPherson College, a difference of $7,115. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
The short answer
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at Washburn University, against 34% at McPherson College. 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.