Washburn Named Best in the Region

Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University is the top ranked public regional university in the state of Kansas according to U.S. News and World Report. Washburn also earned the distinction of lowest student debt among its Kansas peers, as well as a Top 25 Public School in the entire Midwest. The 2026 edition of the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, released today, evaluates more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and student success. Results are published annually to help prospective students and families compare the strengths of undergraduate programs nationwide. "U.S. News' Best Colleges recognition goes to show what we already know - our highly talented faculty and staff consistently go above and beyond for our students. They provide not only academic excellence but also genuine care for their success," said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president, Washburn University. Also reflected in the rankings is Washburn's commitment to keeping student debt low. Washburn students graduate with the least amount of debt when compared to other public regional universities in the state, and fifth lowest when ranking public regional institutions throughout the Midwest. Mazachek credits recent initiatives for making a difference. "Our Shawnee County Thrives Scholarship, which is awarded to graduates of Shawnee County high schools, demonstrates our commitment to keeping our homegrown talent at home," said Mazachek. "Washburn's Shawnee County Promise and Northeast Kansas Advantage Scholarships take our commitment a step further, ensuring cost is not a barrier to anyone wanting to earn a college degree. We are inspired every day by the impact of these initiatives - hearing stories of the impossible becoming possible and changing the trajectory of students and their futures." Washburn landed 24th among the public regionals in the Midwest, and 74th out of all 160 (public and private) regional universities in the Midwest. In addition, it earned a ranking of 35th best college for veterans among its Midwestern peers. -30- Founded in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution with more than 8,000 students involved in more than 200 academic programs. Washburn's programs lead to certification, associate, bachelor, master's degree or doctor of nursing practice and juris doctor degrees. The programs are offered through Washburn's six primary academic units - the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Applied Studies, the Gregory D. and Ronda K. Brenneman School of Business, the Harmony J. Hines School of Nursing, the School of Law and Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech). All programs are offered on either the 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kan., at Washburn Tech's campus on Topeka's west side or in the east Topeka facility. Washburn University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and many of the individual programs have additional accreditations. For further information, contact:Lori HutchinsonExec. Dir. of Strategic Communications & MarketingOffice: (785) 670.1711Email: [email protected]