Iowa state vs Kansas state — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Kansas state is the more selective of the two (81.7% vs 88.7% acceptance). Iowa state graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($63K vs $57K). Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $28,881 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 graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate, higher retention.
Choose Kansas state for: higher selectivity, lower tuition, a larger aid package.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Kansas state is more selective (81.7% vs 88.7% acceptance); Iowa state has a higher median SAT (1204 vs 1151).
Iowa state graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($63K vs $57K); Iowa state has a higher 6-year graduation rate (75.3% vs 71.1%).
Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $28,881); Kansas state offers a larger average aid package ($15,968 vs $15,665).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Iowa state | Kansas state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 81.7% |
| Yield rate | 28.8% | 27.5% |
| Median SAT | 1204 | 1151 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 23,095 | 15,432 |
| International students | 8% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $63K | $57K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $52K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $90K | $83K |
| Graduation rate | 75.3% | 71.1% |
| Retention rate | 87.6% | 85.6% |
| Median debt | $22,869 | $21,250 |
| Tuition · year | $28,881 | $28,568 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,665 | $15,968 |
| % of need met | 78% | 77% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $29,475 | $25,179 |
| Application fee | $40 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 30,432 | 20,295 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Iowa state or Kansas state?
It's harder to get into Kansas state. Iowa state accepts 88.7% of applicants, while Kansas state accepts 81.7%.
Do Iowa state or Kansas state graduates earn more?
Iowa state graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $63K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Iowa state vs Kansas state?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,881 per year at Iowa state and $28,568 per year at Kansas state.
What SAT score do you need for Iowa state or Kansas state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1204 at Iowa state and 1151 at Kansas state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university offers more financial aid — Iowa state or Kansas state?
The average aid package is $15,665 at Iowa state and $15,968 at Kansas state.
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