Washburn U vs Rockhurst University
Washburn University and Rockhurst University, both located in Kansas, offer distinct educational experiences. Washburn, a public university, boasts a higher acceptance rate (84%) compared to Rockhurst's more selective admissions (72%). While Washburn's student body is more diverse, Rockhurst has a smaller student population, fostering a closer-knit community. Both universities excel in different areas: Washburn is known for its strong nursing and business programs, while Rockhurst shines in the fields of education and health professions. With comparable graduation rates, both institutions provide quality education, but their unique strengths and characteristics may appeal to different students. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover which university better aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Rockhurst University |
![]() Washburn University |
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Overview |
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Location | Kansas City, Missouri | Topeka, Kansas |
Campus setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 77.0% | 66.0% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | Catholic | |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 66.7% | Open Admission |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$20
Graduate:
$40
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SAT range | 1083 - 1288 | N/A |
ACT range | 19 - 26 | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | 5.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 68.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 3,455 | |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,303 | |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 403 | |
Yield rate | 17.5% | |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | |
High school GPA | Required | N/A |
Recommendation letters | Not required | N/A |
High school transcript | Not required | N/A |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | N/A |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $61,815 |
In state:
$23,895
Out of state:
$34,899
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Average net price | $22,050 | $14,617 |
Tuition | $39,500 |
In state:
$8,762
Out of state:
$19,766
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$6,360
Meal plan:
$4,380
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Room/dormitory:
$5,625
Meal plan:
$4,090
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
99.0%
Average amount $31,441 |
94.0%
Average amount $6,254 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
55.0%
Average amount $5,037 |
44.0%
Average amount $5,166 |
Students taking out private loans |
8.0%
Average amount $11,948 |
5.0%
Average amount $10,179 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
2,704
Men 34.1% Women 65.9% |
4,828
Men 37.3% Women 62.7% |
Graduate students |
922
Men 38.2% Women 61.8% |
829
Men 33.4% Women 66.6% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 33.5% | 3.0% |
International students | 1.4% | 3.0% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 931 | 1,004 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Missouri Kansas Illinois Nebraska Texas | Kansas Georgia Iowa Florida Arizona |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 13:1 | 13:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 74.2% | 51.4% |
Dropout rate | 25.8% | 24.7% |
Transferred out | N/A | 20.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees)
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
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