Washburn posts increased enrollment for fourth straight year

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - For the fourth consecutive year, enrollment is up across campuses at Washburn University and Washburn Institute of Technology.

Overall, Washburn’s full-time equivalent enrollment increased 2.3% for the Fall semester of 2026, officials announced Wednesday morning.

Washburn serves 7,766 students, including 5,604 at Washburn University and 2,162 at Washburn Tech.

“Four consecutive years of growth demonstrate that more students and families are seeing the value of a Washburn education,” Washburn University President JuliAnn Mazachek said in a news release. “Our students benefit from a highly personalized experience while having access to exceptional academic, professional and leadership opportunities. Across Washburn, our focus is the same: knowing our students, helping them succeed and preparing them for meaningful futures.”

This year’s enrollment figures also reflect a change in Washburn’s Concurrent Enrollment Partnership.

Beginning this fall, the program is administered through Washburn Tech, allowing CEP to receive state funding and significantly reduce tuition for Shawnee County high school students earning college credit.

The change also means CEP students are now counted at Washburn Tech rather than Washburn University.

As a result, Washburn University’s FTE enrollment decreased 1.3%, while Washburn Tech’s FTE enrollment increased 16.1%.

“Expanding access and affordability is central to Washburn’s mission,” Mazachek said. “We are deeply grateful to our state leaders and the Washburn Board of Regents for investing in students and families and helping us create more affordable opportunities for Shawnee County students to begin earning college credit while still in high school.”

Growth at Washburn Tech extends well beyond CEP students, including a nearly 16% increase in postsecondary, or adult, students, the news release said.

That continued growth is helping prepare more students for high-demand careers while providing area employers with the skilled graduates needed to meet regional workforce demands.

“This is another strong year for Washburn and an important reflection of the momentum we continue to build,” Mazachek said. “Students are choosing an education that is personal, affordable and filled with opportunity, and we remain focused on creating pathways that help every student achieve their goals.”