Location: Topeka, KS•In-State Tuition: $9,578•Out-of-State Tuition: $20,582
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$52,507
Est. from national median (23 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,635
Est. from national median (8 programs)

Analysis

Peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $52,500 for a Computer Systems Analysis bachelor's, with estimated debt of $24,635 at Washburn—a ratio that looks manageable on paper at 0.47. However, the lack of actual graduate outcomes here means families are navigating without the most critical information: whether Washburn's specific program delivers on these national patterns or falls short.

The Kansas context offers some reassurance. Pittsburg State, the only in-state program with reported data, shows graduates earning $54,783—slightly above the national benchmark—suggesting Kansas programs in this field perform reasonably well. The estimated debt figure of $24,635 also tracks below both the national median ($46,000) and close to Kansas's typical $20,500, which would put graduates in a stronger position if the earnings materialize as projected.

The central challenge is that with only three Kansas schools offering this degree and Washburn's data suppressed due to small graduate cohorts, you're essentially betting on national trends holding true for a program that may be quite small. If earnings align with comparable programs, the debt burden appears reasonable. But without actual placement data or graduate outcomes from Washburn itself, consider whether the school can demonstrate strong employer connections in Kansas's tech sector—that matters more here than the estimates suggest.

Where Washburn University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems analysis bachelors's programs nationally

Washburn University (estimated ±10%)Other computer systems analysis programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas

Computer Systems Analysis bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (3 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Washburn UniversityTopeka$9,578$52,507*—$24,635*—
Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg$8,008$54,783*$58,169$20,500*0.37
National Median—$52,507*—$46,000*0.88
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer systems analysis graduates

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Health Informatics Specialists

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Computer Network Support Specialists

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

$61,550/yrJobs growth:
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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 23 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.