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University of Kansas vs Kansas State University

University of Kansas is a public university in Lawrence, KS, and Kansas State University is a public university in Manhattan, KS. Kansas State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 82% of applicants against 93% at University of Kansas. University of Kansas is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,059 a year against $19,406 at Kansas State University. About 71% of students graduate at Kansas State University, compared with 69% at University of Kansas. Ten years after enrolling, University of Kansas alumni earn a median of about $61,945, against $57,262 for Kansas State University.

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University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Lawrence, KS
Manhattan, KS
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
21,217
15,142
Acceptance rate
93%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.71 avg
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1300
1060–1260
ACT (middle 50%)
20–28
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,059
$19,406
Full cost / yr
$26,751
$27,402
In-state tuition
$12,102
$11,221
Out-of-state tuition
$30,432
$28,568
Application fee
$40
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,544
$13,178
$30k - $48k
$12,942
$14,143
$48k - $75k
$15,154
$15,369
$75k - $110k
$19,169
$20,110
Over $110k
$22,544
$23,665
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
71%
Freshman retention
86%
86%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,217
$49,330
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,945
$57,262
Median debt at graduation
$21,000
$21,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
21%
First-generation students
22%
22%
International students
3%
2%
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 University of Kansas or Kansas State University harder to get into?
Kansas State University is harder to get into. It admits about 82% of applicants, compared with 93% at University of Kansas. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Kansas or Kansas State University?
University of Kansas is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,059 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 University of Kansas and Kansas State University?
Before aid, University of Kansas costs about $26,751 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, University of Kansas or Kansas State University?
University of Kansas. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,544 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, University of Kansas or Kansas State University?
University of Kansas is the larger of the two, with about 21,217 undergraduates against 15,142 at Kansas State University.
Does University of Kansas or Kansas State University have a better graduation rate?
Kansas State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 69% at University of Kansas.
Do graduates of University of Kansas or Kansas State University earn more?
University of Kansas alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,945 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,262 for Kansas State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Kansas and Kansas State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Kansas is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Kansas State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Kansas and Kansas State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1300 at University of Kansas and 1060–1260 at Kansas State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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