Median Earnings (1yr)
$71,318
77th percentile
60th percentile in Kansas
Median Debt
$25,000
7% below national median

Analysis

Washburn's Allied Health program launches graduates into strong first-year earnings of $71,318β€”well above both the national median ($60,447) and Kansas average ($62,386). That initial advantage places this program in the 77th percentile nationally. However, the picture shifts dramatically: by year four, median earnings drop to $58,291, falling below where most graduates in this field typically land.

This earnings decline likely reflects the career paths typical in diagnostic and intervention professions, where some graduates may transition from higher-paying clinical roles to positions in education, management, or different practice settings. The $25,000 debt load is reasonable, translating to a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio at graduation. Among Kansas programs, Washburn sits comfortably in the middle of the packβ€”Fort Hays graduates earn similarly, while Kansas graduates lag significantly behind at $43,930.

For parents, the key question is whether that strong initial earning period provides enough runway to pay down debt quickly and establish financial stability. If your child plans to stay in direct patient care where those first-year earnings are achievable, this program delivers solid value. But the notable income drop suggests graduates don't maintain that early momentum, which matters for long-term financial planning. This works best for students who prioritize immediate earning potential over sustained income growth.

Where Washburn University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Washburn University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Washburn University$71,318$58,291-18%
University of Washington-Seattle Campus$135,384$143,937+6%
Wagner College$129,269$137,299+6%
University of Kansas$43,930$55,393+26%
Fort Hays State University$62,386$44,419-29%

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (16 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Washburn UniversityTopeka$9,578$71,318$58,291$25,0000.35
Fort Hays State UniversityHays$5,633$62,386$44,419$30,9500.50
University of KansasLawrence$11,700$43,930$55,393$25,8470.59
National Medianβ€”$60,447β€”$27,0000.45

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions graduates

Medical Dosimetrists

Generate radiation treatment plans, develop radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.

$138,110/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Physician Assistants

Provide healthcare services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician. Conduct complete physicals, provide treatment, and counsel patients. May, in some cases, prescribe medication. Must graduate from an accredited educational program for physician assistants.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Anesthesiologist Assistants

Assist anesthesiologists in the administration of anesthesia for surgical and non-surgical procedures. Monitor patient status and provide patient care during surgical treatment.

$133,260/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.

$104,240/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiation Therapists

Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.

$101,990/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

$97,020/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.

$89,340/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Respiratory Therapists

Assess, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care modalities, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians. Initiate and conduct therapeutic procedures; maintain patient records; and select, assemble, check, and operate equipment.

$80,450/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists

Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.

$78,980/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Washburn University, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 41 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.