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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
Washburn University logo Chose Washburn University
42%
Chose UMKC University of Missouri—Kansas City logo
58%

Typical aid · ABA 509 · 2025

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

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

$63,000
n = 5
$25,500
n = 6
View all-time (27 cross-admits)
41% chose Washburn University 59% chose UMKC
Rank summary
Washburn University
#111
LSD
USN #108
UMKC
NR
LSD
USN #100
LSD rank reflects where admitted applicants actually enroll. USN ranks come from US News.

Admissions

Rankings, LSAT/GPA, acceptance & yield
2025 ABA 509
Metric
Washburn University logo
Washburn University
Topeka, Kansas
University of Missouri—Kansas City logo
UMKC
Kansas City, Missouri
USN Rank
#108
#100
LSD Rank
75+ (0.002)
NR
LSAT 25th
151
154
LSAT Median
155
156
LSAT 75th
159
159
GPA Median
3.68
3.65
Acceptance Rate
46.5%
45.9%
Class Size
137
143
Yield Rate
53.3%
43.3%

Financial

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

Employment & outcomes

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

Overview

About Washburn University vs UMKC

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

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

This page compares Washburn University and University of Missouri—Kansas City 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.

Washburn University is located in Topeka, Kansas, while University of Missouri—Kansas City is in Kansas City, Missouri. 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.