College Costs in Topeka, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 14 colleges in Topeka, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,640
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,161
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,052
per month
Colleges & Universities
14
institutions
Topeka Overview
Population
126,587
Student Population
4,049 (3.2%)
Cost of Living Index
84 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
35/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Topeka
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$79,516
Total After Financial Aid
$79,516
Annual Cost
$19,879
Annual After Aid
$19,879
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $79,516 |
| Monthly Payment | $903 |
| Total Interest | $28,831 |
| Total Loan Cost | $108,347 |
Universities in Topeka
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Washburn University | Public | $8,640 |
| Washburn Institute of Technology | Community | $3,564 |
Topeka has 14 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Topeka vs. National Average
| Category | Topeka | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,640 | $10,940 | -$2,300 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,052 | $1,050 | +$2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 84 | 100 | -16 |
Topeka's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Topeka
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,049 students
Topeka has a total population of 126,587, with approximately 4,049 college students (3.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Topeka offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Topeka
$51,052
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Topeka earn a median starting salary of $51,052, which is $16,052 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $79,516 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,855 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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