It's Never Too Late: Washburn Encourages Degree Completion for National “Finish Your Degree Day” Aug. 6

Topeka, Kan. - August 6 is national "Finish Your Degree Day," an annual reminder that more than 40 million Americans started college but had to pause their education. An estimated 361,000 Kansans are among that number.

 "Washburn is here to help every student achieve their dreams," said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president of Washburn University. "For adult learners, that means offering flexible pathways to begin or complete a degree while balancing work, family and other responsibilities. We remain committed to making a high-quality, affordable education accessible so students can succeed and make meaningful contributions throughout our region and across Kansas."

"Statistically, we know those who hold at least a bachelor's degree, or some certificate of completion in the case of more technical or trade-related careers, earn more in their lifetime. And are less likely to face unemployment," said Dr. Zach Frank, acting provost and vice president of academic affairs and dean of the School of Applied Studies, Washburn University.

"We also know that around 20% of people earn their college degree after turning 30, and these adult learners still experience a significant 'college wage premium' in their later career stages."

Washburn University Can Help Adult Learners Finish their Degree

With online and hybrid class models available at Washburn, adult learners have flexible options to start or complete their degree, as well as earn certificates for artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, legal studies, non-profit management and more.

Degree-completion programs at Washburn include:

• Bachelor of General Studies: a flexible program designed for nontraditional learners with busy schedules who have previously completed at least 45 credit hours.
• Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS): a customizable, often multi-disciplinary program that helps students complete a bachelor's degree that is custom-tailored to their career goals. BIS degrees are often designed with a theme in mind and consist of two (or more) emphasis areas.

Adult learners and transfer students are eligible for a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities at Washburn, including a tuition-free pathway for financially eligible students in the Shawnee County and Northeast Kansas region through the Shawnee County Promise and Northeast Kansas Advantage, respectively. In addition, adult learners and transfer students can receive:

• GPA-based academic merit scholarships
• The $1,000 Shawnee County Thrives scholarship
• In-state tuition rates for out-of-state students through the Interstate Advantage
• Departmental scholarships
• Kansas Adult Learner Grants

Students who are accepted to Washburn University also can easily find and apply for national scholarships based on their eligibility through Washburn's scholarship-matching tool, ScholarshipUniverse (Washburn.edu/SU).

For more information about beginning or finishing your degree at Washburn, contact Kelli Hernandez at [email protected] or 785.670.3810.

Aug. 1 Special Enrollment Event

Washburn University is making it even easier to pursue a college education with a special enrollment event Saturday, Aug. 1. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Welcome Center of Morgan Hall, on the Washburn University campus, current and prospective students who have not registered for classes can complete a free application, meet with an advisor and register for classes. The event is open to all those interested in taking classes in Fall 2026, including returning students.

New and returning students who have not enrolled in any Fall 2026 classes can enter several scholarship drawings, with awards of up to $1,500 each and a total of $4,500 available. During the event, attendees and their families also can learn about financial aid opportunities and get help completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Washburn faculty and staff will guide students through each step of the process.

Registration is not required, but new students should bring a copy of their transcripts. Refreshments will also be served at the event.

"It's never too late to take the next step toward your goals," said Dr. Stephen Terry, vice president for strategic enrollment management, Washburn University. "We encourage prospective students and their families to join us on campus and experience what makes Washburn special."

For more information, contact the Washburn University Admissions Office at 785-670-1030 or [email protected].

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