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Kansas State University vs Wichita State University

Kansas State University is a public university in Manhattan, KS, and Wichita State University is a public university in Wichita, KS. Kansas State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 82% of applicants against 94% at Wichita State University. Wichita State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,194 a year against $19,406 at Kansas State University. About 71% of students graduate at Kansas State University, compared with 51% at Wichita State University. Ten years after enrolling, Kansas State University alumni earn a median of about $57,262, against $51,532 for Wichita State University.

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Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Manhattan, KS
Wichita, KS
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
15,142
10,780
Acceptance rate
82%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.14–3.64
SAT (middle 50%)
1060–1260
905–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
20–27
17–25
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,406
$13,194
Full cost / yr
$27,402
$21,780
In-state tuition
$11,221
$9,684
Out-of-state tuition
$28,568
$19,869
Application fee
$40
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,178
$9,734
$30k - $48k
$14,143
$9,696
$48k - $75k
$15,369
$13,564
$75k - $110k
$20,110
$16,893
Over $110k
$23,665
$19,184
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
51%
Freshman retention
86%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,330
$44,043
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,262
$51,532
Median debt at graduation
$21,250
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
31%
First-generation students
22%
36%
International students
2%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Kansas State University or Wichita State University harder to get into?
Kansas State University is harder to get into. It admits about 82% of applicants, compared with 94% at Wichita State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Kansas State University or Wichita State University?
Wichita State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,194 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,406 at Kansas State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Kansas State University and Wichita State University?
Before aid, Wichita State University costs about $21,780 a year and Kansas State University about $27,402. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Kansas State University or Wichita State University?
Wichita State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,734 there, against about $13,178 at Kansas State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Kansas State University or Wichita State University?
Kansas State University is the larger of the two, with about 15,142 undergraduates against 10,780 at Wichita State University.
Does Kansas State University or Wichita State University have a better graduation rate?
Kansas State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 51% at Wichita State University.
Do graduates of Kansas State University or Wichita State University earn more?
Kansas State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,262 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,532 for Wichita State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Kansas State University and Wichita State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Kansas State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wichita State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Kansas State University and Wichita State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1060–1260 at Kansas State University and 905–1240 at Wichita State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school