Engineering-Related Fields at Washburn University

Washburn's engineering-related program shows the hallmark of a manageable investment based on what similar programs across the country typically produce. With estimated debt around $25,200 against first-year earnings near $69,000—a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37—graduates from comparable bachelor's programs generally start their careers earning nearly three times what they borrowed. That's a solid foundation, particularly for students at a public regional university where nearly a third of the student body receives Pell grants.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Kansas has only two schools offering engineering-related bachelor's programs, and neither reports granular outcomes data publicly. What we do know from national benchmarks suggests engineering-related fields—which often include technical specialties like surveying, engineering technology, or construction management—produce relatively consistent outcomes across the country, with the median program landing right at that $69,000 mark. The estimated figures for Washburn align perfectly with this national pattern, which offers some reassurance.

For families evaluating this program, the key question becomes whether Washburn's specific version—which could range from construction science to industrial technology—matches the national profile well enough to justify confidence in these estimates. The debt load is reasonable enough that even if actual earnings trail the estimate by 10-15%, graduates would still face workable repayment. But given the data gap, visiting the department to understand exactly what students do after graduation would be essential homework before committing.