Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Washburn University

Washburn's nursing program produces a puzzling outcome: graduates start strong at $71,210, beating Kansas's median by nearly $3,000, but their earnings actually drop to $64,619 by year four. While the debt load of $25,250 is manageable at just 0.35 times first-year earnings, this backward earnings trajectory is unusual for nursing, where experience typically commands higher pay.

The state context reveals why this matters. Washburn ranks in the 60th percentile among Kansas nursing programs—solidly middle of the pack—but trails the top programs by $10,000 or more in year-four earnings. Ottawa University's programs, for instance, show graduates earning $76,207, suggesting Washburn grads may be working in lower-paying settings or facing limited advancement opportunities. The 9% earnings decline could indicate high turnover into part-time roles or a concentration in less specialized nursing positions.

For families prioritizing immediate employability and low debt, Washburn checks those boxes. But if your child plans to build a long-term nursing career in Kansas, programs like Ottawa or Southwestern appear to position graduates for steadier earnings growth. Ask Washburn directly about where their alumni work four years out—the answer will clarify whether this early peak is temporary or a pattern worth considering in your decision.