Analysis
Washburn's social work program sits in an awkward middle position within Kansas: earnings trail the state median by nearly $2,000 annually, placing graduates in the 40th percentile among Kansas schools. While the program beats the national median slightly, within the state it falls behind larger programs at Fort Hays ($42,413), Kansas State ($41,833), and even Kansas University ($40,032). For families considering this degree in-state, that gap matters—it's about $4,500 less per year than the top-performing program.
The debt load of $24,623 is manageable relative to first-year earnings, creating a ratio of 0.65 that suggests graduates can realistically handle payments. Earnings do grow nicely—19% over four years—reaching $45,074, which brings alumni closer to competitive territory. However, the program serves fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift considerably year to year.
If your child is committed to social work and Washburn offers other compelling reasons to attend (location, financial aid, campus fit), the modest debt makes this workable. But purely from an earnings standpoint, Kansas families would do better exploring Fort Hays or Kansas State, where social work graduates start stronger and the credential appears to carry more weight in the job market.
Where Washburn University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all social work 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washburn University | $37,908 | $45,074 | +19% |
| Kansas State University | $41,833 | $45,037 | +8% |
| University of Kansas | $40,032 | $44,136 | +10% |
| Fort Hays State University | $42,413 | $43,125 | +2% |
| Pittsburg State University | $38,288 | $40,794 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Social Work bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Washburn UniversityTopeka | $9,578 | $37,908 | $45,074 | $24,623 | 0.65 |
 Fort Hays State UniversityHays | $5,633 | $42,413 | $43,125 | $27,000 | 0.64 |
 Kansas State UniversityManhattan | $10,942 | $41,833 | $45,037 | $24,603 | 0.59 |
 University of KansasLawrence | $11,700 | $40,032 | $44,136 | $24,000 | 0.60 |
 Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg | $8,008 | $38,288 | $40,794 | $27,000 | 0.71 |
 Wichita State UniversityWichita | $9,322 | $38,256 | $39,305 | $31,000 | 0.81 |
| National Median | — | $37,296 | — | $26,362 | 0.71 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with social work graduates
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Social and Community Service Managers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Healthcare Social Workers
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Social Workers, All Other
Counselors, All Other
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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.