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Head-to-head · 12 cross-admits

When applicants got into both, 58% chose UMKC. Side-by-side on admissions, costs, and outcomes — sourced from 12 self-reported decisions and ABA 509 filings.

Choice, not ranking

These are decisions, not opinions. Scholarship offers, location, intended practice, and personal fit are all priced into the split.

12
cross-admits

Cross-admit decision

Of 12 applicants admitted to both schools
Last 5 cycles
University of Missouri—Kansas City logo Chose UMKC
58%
Chose Washburn University Washburn University logo
42%

Typical aid · ABA 509 · 2025

per year
$7,270
85.0% get a grant
$15,000
80.0% get a grant

Cross-admits who enrolled · self-reported, 3-yr award

$25,500
n = 6
$63,000
n = 5
View all-time (27 cross-admits)
59% chose UMKC 41% chose Washburn University
Rank summary
UMKC
NR
LSD
USN #100
Washburn University
NR
LSD
USN #108
LSD rank reflects where admitted applicants actually enroll. USN ranks come from US News.

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
University of Missouri—Kansas City logo
UMKC
Kansas City, Missouri
Washburn University logo
Washburn University
Topeka, Kansas
USN Rank
#100
#108
LSD Rank
NR
NR
LSAT 25th
154
151
LSAT Median
156
155
LSAT 75th
159
159
GPA Median
3.65
3.68
Acceptance Rate
45.9%
46.5%
Class Size
143
137
Yield Rate
43.3%
53.3%

Financial

Sticker price and scholarship aid
2025 ABA 509
Metric
University of Missouri—Kansas City logo
UMKC
Kansas City, Missouri
Washburn University logo
Washburn University
Topeka, Kansas
Tuition (In-State)
-
-
Tuition (Out-of-State)
-
-
Median Grant
$7,270
$15,000
% Receiving Grants
85.0%
80.0%

Employment & outcomes

Post-graduation placement and bar passage
2025 ABA Employment
Metric
University of Missouri—Kansas City logo
UMKC
Kansas City, Missouri
Washburn University logo
Washburn University
Topeka, Kansas
BigLaw (501+)
6.3%
2.0%
Federal Clerkships
1.6%
1.0%
State & Local Clerkships
7.8%
6.1%
Median Salary (Private)
-
-
Employment Rate
86.7%
91.9%
Bar Pass Rate
84.1%
71.1%

Overview

About UMKC vs Washburn University

Across 12 applicants admitted to both schools and self-reporting on LSD, 58% enrolled at University of Missouri—Kansas City and 42% at Washburn University.

These numbers reflect every factor that goes into a real decision: scholarship offers, geographic preference, intended practice area, and fit. Choosing one school doesn't mean it's "better" — it means the pool of cross-admits, weighing their options, ended up there more often. Pair this with the scholarship distribution and employment outcomes above for full context.

Looking at a different matchup? Browse all comparisons or run a custom pair from the index.

Deciding between UMKC and Washburn University? Work with a consultant who knows both — backed by this exact data.
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Detailed comparison narrative

This page compares University of Missouri—Kansas City and Washburn University across admissions data, cost of attendance, and employment outcomes using official ABA 509 disclosures.

In the U.S. News rankings, University of Missouri—Kansas City is ranked #100 compared to #108 — a gap of 8 positions that often correlates with differences in employment outcomes and peer assessment scores.

University of Missouri—Kansas City is located in Kansas City, Missouri, while Washburn University is in Topeka, Kansas. Regional placement matters: graduates tend to find employment near their law school, so location should factor into your decision alongside rankings and cost.

Among cross-admitted applicants who enrolled, those choosing Washburn University reported a higher median scholarship — $63,000 versus $25,500 over three years — though aid is one of several factors behind the enrollment decision.