1. Affordable tuition

Let's start with one of the biggest factors in choosing a college: cost.

Higher education is a significant investment, and tuition can have a major impact on your financial future.

Washburn offers tuition options that may be competitive with other universities, particularly for students who qualify for applicable rates and financial assistance.

And if you're already living in Topeka, attending a local university could create opportunities to save on housing, transportation, or other expenses.

Of course, the total cost depends on your degree program, course load, living arrangements, and financial aid package.

My advice is to compare the full cost of attendance rather than looking only at the advertised tuition rate.

You can review current tuition and fees on Washburn's official website.

2. Scholarship opportunities

Another reason to consider Washburn is the variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to students.

Depending on your academic background, interests, and qualifications, you may be eligible for different types of assistance.

Scholarships can make a meaningful difference in the total cost of attending college, and they're absolutely worth researching early.

One thing I'd encourage students to do is reach out directly to the university's financial aid or admissions team.

Don't assume you won't qualify for something without asking. There may be opportunities you haven't considered.

Start by exploring Washburn's scholarship information and reviewing application deadlines.

3. A beautiful campus

One of the things I appreciate about Washburn is its campus.

With open green spaces, walking paths, established trees, and a mix of historic and modern buildings, Washburn has the feel of a traditional college campus right in the middle of Topeka.

It's a place where students can spend time outside, meet up with friends, study between classes, and enjoy campus activities.

And because the university is located within the city, you're also close to local restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and other destinations.

If you're considering Washburn, I'd strongly recommend scheduling a campus visit.

Walking around campus and seeing it for yourself can give you a much better idea of whether it feels like the right fit.

4. On-campus housing and student life

Just because Washburn is located in your hometown doesn't mean you have to miss out on the traditional college experience.

Students who want to live on campus can explore university housing options and become more involved in campus life.

Washburn offers residence halls, including the Living Learning Center and Lincoln Hall.

Living on campus can provide opportunities to build friendships, participate in student activities, and experience a greater sense of independence.

For students who prefer to commute, living at home may also be an option worth considering.

Both approaches have advantages, and the right choice depends on your budget and the college experience you're hoping to have.

5. Dining options on and around campus

College life isn't just about going to class. It's also about the places you spend time with friends and the experiences you have along the way.

Washburn offers campus dining options and meal plans for students who want convenient access to food throughout the day.

And because the university is located in central Topeka, students also have access to plenty of local restaurants and coffee shops nearby.

Whether you're grabbing coffee before class, meeting friends for lunch, or looking for somewhere to study, there are options both on and off campus.

If you're looking for places to explore, check out my guide to the top local coffee shops in Topeka.

6. On-campus job opportunities

Working while attending college can be a great way to earn money, gain experience, and develop professional skills.

Washburn offers student employment opportunities across different campus departments and services, depending on availability.

For some students, having a job on campus can be especially convenient because it reduces the need to travel between work and classes.

Student employment can also provide opportunities to meet new people, build relationships, and gain experience that may be useful after graduation.

If you're interested, explore available positions and ask about student employment during the admissions process.

7. A wide range of academic programs

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a university is whether it offers the academic opportunities you're looking for.

Washburn provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across several fields of study.

Students can explore areas such as business, education, nursing, criminal justice, the arts, and many others.

The university is also home to Washburn University School of Law for students pursuing a legal education.

Whether you already know exactly what you want to study or you're still exploring your interests, it's worth reviewing the available academic programs.

Be sure to compare degree requirements, accreditation where relevant, internship opportunities, and career outcomes for your intended field.

8. Smaller classes and opportunities to connect with professors

One of the things that can make a big difference in college is the relationship you build with your professors.

Washburn's learning environment may appeal to students who prefer smaller classes and opportunities for more individual interaction.

Instead of feeling like just another person in a large lecture hall, students may have more opportunities to ask questions, participate in discussions, and get to know their instructors.

Of course, class sizes vary depending on the program and course.

But if personal attention and access to professors are important to you, that's something worth asking about during a campus visit.

Those relationships can also become valuable when you're looking for internships, recommendations, or career guidance later on.

9. Close to home without missing the college experience

I understand why so many high school graduates want to move away for college.

There's something exciting about experiencing a new city, meeting new people, and gaining independence.

But I also think it's easy to overlook the advantages of attending college close to home.

At Washburn, Topeka students have the opportunity to experience campus life while remaining close to family, friends, and the community they already know.

That could mean saving money by living at home, keeping a local job, or simply having a familiar support system nearby.

And if you choose to live on campus, you can still experience many of the same opportunities for independence and connection that come with attending college elsewhere.

It's a balance that can work really well for some students.

10. An approachable admissions process

Applying to college can feel intimidating, especially when you're trying to navigate applications, financial aid, scholarships, and academic requirements for the first time.

One reason Washburn is worth exploring is the opportunity to connect directly with its admissions team and learn more about the application process.

Rather than assuming you won't qualify or that the process will be too complicated, I'd encourage students to reach out and ask questions.

Admissions requirements can vary by program and applicant type, so it's important to review the current criteria.

You can get started through Washburn's admissions website.

Even if you're still considering several colleges, having a conversation with an admissions counselor can help you better understand your options.