Houston vs Kansas — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Houston is the more selective of the two (73.9% vs 93.5% acceptance). Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#201-300 vs #301-400). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($62K vs $62K). Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $30,432 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Houston for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Kansas for: a higher graduation rate, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Houston is more selective (73.9% vs 93.5% acceptance); Houston has a higher median SAT (1250 vs 1190).
Houston graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $62K); Kansas has a higher 6-year graduation rate (68.8% vs 64.6%).
Houston has lower sticker-price tuition ($22,547 vs $30,432); Kansas offers a larger average aid package ($19,700 vs $16,450).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Houston | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #201-300 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 73.9% | 93.5% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 25.5% |
| Median SAT | 1250 | 1190 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.50 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 31,716 | 22,363 |
| International students | 16% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $93K | $88K |
| Graduation rate | 64.6% | 68.8% |
| Retention rate | 87% | 86% |
| Median debt | $18,194 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $22,547 | $30,432 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,450 | $19,700 |
| % of need met | 55.1% | 78.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $21,819 | $27,212 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 47,980 | 29,792 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Houston or Kansas?
It's harder to get into Houston. Houston accepts 73.9% of applicants, while Kansas accepts 93.5%.
Do Houston or Kansas graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $62K at Houston and $62K at Kansas.
How much is tuition at Houston vs Kansas?
Sticker-price tuition is $22,547 per year at Houston and $30,432 per year at Kansas.
What SAT score do you need for Houston or Kansas?
The median admitted SAT score is 1250 at Houston and 1190 at Kansas; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Houston or Kansas?
Houston ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #201-300 for Houston vs #301-400 for Kansas.
Which university offers more financial aid — Houston or Kansas?
The average aid package is $16,450 at Houston and $19,700 at Kansas.
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