<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE SEMIANNUAL
REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000883622
<NAME> W&R FUNDS, INC.
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 1
<NAME> TOTAL RETURN FUND
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
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<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
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<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> (1,534)
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> (4,489)
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<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
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<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 2,531
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<EXPENSES-NET> (5,671)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> (2,720)
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<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (29,821)
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2,052
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (3,482)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (13,190)
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<PER-SHARE-NII> (.07)
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<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 13.91
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.97
</TABLE>
