Iowa state vs Kansas — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Iowa state is the more selective of the two (88.7% vs 93.5% acceptance). Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #301-400). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($63K vs $62K). Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 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 Iowa state for: higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
Choose Kansas for: a higher world ranking, a larger aid package, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa state is more selective (88.7% vs 93.5% acceptance); Iowa state has a higher median SAT (1204 vs 1190).
Iowa state graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($63K vs $62K); Iowa state has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.3% vs 68.8%).
Iowa state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,881 vs $30,432); Kansas offers a larger average aid package ($19,700 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 93.5% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 25.5% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1190 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 22,363 |
| International students | 8% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $88K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 68.8% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 86% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $30,432 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $19,700 |
| % of need met | 78% | 78.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $27,212 |
| Application fee | $40 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 29,792 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Kansas?
It's harder to get into Iowa state. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Kansas accepts 93.5%.
Do Iowa state or Kansas graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $63K at Iowa state and $62K at Kansas.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Kansas?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $30,432 per year at Kansas.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Kansas?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1190 at Kansas; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Iowa state or Kansas?
Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Iowa state vs #301-400 for Kansas.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Kansas?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $19,700 at Kansas.
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