Washburn University (WU) Academics and Admissions

Academics

Founded in 1941, Washburn University is a public, co-ed university located in Topeka, Kansas. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission: A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Washburn University offers over 200 certification, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and juris doctor degree programs through the College of Arts and Sciences and the schools of Business, Applied Studies, Law and Nursing. The university has broadly-based liberal arts and professional education programs. The most popular majors at Washburn University are Business, Management, Communication, Education, Health Professions, Sciences, and Security and protective services. The student-to-faculty ratio at Washburn University is 16:1, and more than 40 percent of the classes have fewer than 20 students.

The Office of Academic Outreach offers numerous programs that have been designed to help the university’s students succed. Academic support programs and special services include online and distance education programs; web conferencing information; summer sessions; early start options for high school students; and professional development. Support services offered by the School of Business include Lean Six Sigma and Human Resources. The School of Applied Studies offers services and programs that include social services and mental health, and the Joint Center on Violence and Victim Studies. The College of Arts and Sciences has LSAT Prep resources, a Command Spanish program, the Ad Astra Advanced Placement Summer Institute, PBS TeacherLine Courses and the ED 674 Graduate Credit Option.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 24th in Kansas and 1680th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	69.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$22,056
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	16 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	70% / 35%
Enrollment Total (all students)	6,571

Admissions

Students who wish to apply to Washburn University must complete the online application form and submit an official high school transcript or a GED score report, official transcripts from any colleges, an official SAT or ACT score report, and an AP transcript (if applicable). The deadline for submitting an application is rolling, but students who wish to receive consideration for scholarships must be accepted to the college by February. A nonrefundable application fee is also required.

Graduate students, adult students, transfer students, home-schooled students, and international students may need to use different procedures, so they should refer to the university’s website or contact the Office of Admission for more information about the admissions process and application requirements.

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Financial Aid

Washburn University offers a wide variety of financial aid programs. More than 60 percent of the college’s students receive some form of state, federal, private or institutional financial assistance. The average need-based scholarship or grant award is $4,778. Forms of aid that are available for students at Washburn University include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Washburn University also offers a number of scholarships and grants for students. Some are based on merit; others require applicants to demonstrate evidence of financial need. All students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1st each year. If selected for verification, students will also need to complete a Federal Verification Worksheet and/or additional documents. Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for more information and assistance with completing the financial aid application process.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 4780th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Kansas.

Students

Washburn University has a very diverse student body, with a gender distribution of close to 40 percent male students. About a quarter of the students live on campus in the university’s four residence halls. There is a traditional residence complex called the Washburn Village, the Living Learning Center that houses four hundred students, and two other halls. Room assignments are made based on a first come first served basis.

Student Activities & Greek Life provides educational programs, support and resources to all of Washburn University’s student organizations including the Washburn Student Government Association (WSGA), Campus Activities Board (CAB) and the Greek governing councils. There are more than one hundred clubs, organizations, and activities that include academic, professional, political, social, talent, athletic, student government, media, religious, service, multicultural, special interest, and honor groups. Popular activities include the Criminal Justice Association, Ichtus Campus Ministry, the Morita study group, the Physics & Engineering Club, the Social Justice League, and the Washburn Student Social Work Association. Greek life is also a significant part of student life at Washburn University; there are four fraternities and four sororities on campus. A complete list of clubs and events is available on the college’s website and is updated daily.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The men’s athletic teams at Washburn University are known as the Ichabods, while the school’s women’s teams are known as the Lady Blues. Washburn University is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association and competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II. Intercollegiate sports for men include football, basketball, baseball, tennis, and golf. Intercollegiate sports for women include volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, and tennis. Football and soccer are played at Yager Stadium, while basketball and volleyball are played at Lee Arena. Falley Field is the home of the university’s baseball team. The university’s other facilities include the WU Softball Complex, the WU Tennis Complex, the WU Soccer Complex, the Whiting Fieldhouse, the Athletic Training Center, and the weight room.

One of the most legendary athletic events in the university’s history took place in 1987, when the men’s basketball team defeated West Virginia State and won the NAIA national championship. Another memorable event took place in 2005, when the women’s basketball team set the school’s record for games won and won the NCAA Women’s Division II Basketball National Championship.

Alumni

Greg Brenneman, Chief Executive Officer of Quiznos, former CEO of Burger King Corporation, and former COO of Continental Airlines.
Damian L. Strohmeyer, Sports Illustrated photographer whose work has been featured on the cover of the magazine over 50 times
Gary Woodland, professional golfer on the PGA Tour
Brig Gen Arthur S. Champeny, only man in American history to receive the Distinguished Service Cross in 3 separate wars: World War I, World War II and the Korean War
Earl Wilbur Sutherland Jr., Nobel Prize Laureate in Physiology and Medicine.
Kay McFarland, first female Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court.
Georgia Neese Clark Gray, first female Treasurer of the United States
Bill Kurtis, TV journalist and producer

Bibliography

“Washburn University.” Education. U.S. News & World Report, 2011. Web. 15 May 2011.

Washburn University. Washburn University. 2011. Web. 15 May 2011.

Snider, Mark. How to Get Money for College 2011: Financing Your Future Beyond Federal Aid. Lawrenceville: Peterson’s, 2010.

Washburn University