Kansas state vs Texas rio grande valley — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Kansas state is the more selective of the two (81.7% vs 94.2% acceptance). Kansas state ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #801-900). Kansas state graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($57K vs $50K). Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $28,568 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 Kansas state for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Texas rio grande valley for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Kansas state is more selective (81.7% vs 94.2% acceptance); Kansas state has a higher median SAT (1151 vs 985).
Kansas state graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($57K vs $50K); Kansas state has a higher 6-year graduation rate (71.1% vs 50.9%).
Texas rio grande valley has lower sticker-price tuition ($19,827 vs $28,568); Kansas state offers a larger average aid package ($15,968 vs $11,242).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Kansas state | Texas rio grande valley |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #801-900 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 81.7% | 94.2% |
| Yield rate | 27.5% | 55.4% |
| Median SAT | 1151 | 985 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | — |
| Number of applications | 15,432 | 12,137 |
| International students | 5% | 3% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $57K | $50K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $52K | $44K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $83K | $67K |
| Graduation rate | 71.1% | 50.9% |
| Retention rate | 85.6% | 78.9% |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $12,950 |
| Tuition · year | $28,568 | $19,827 |
| Avg. aid package | $15,968 | $11,242 |
| % of need met | 77% | 72% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $25,179 | $14,589 |
| Application fee | $40 | — |
| Enrollment | 20,295 | 31,864 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Kansas state or Texas rio grande valley?
It's harder to get into Kansas state. Kansas state accepts 81.7% of applicants, while Texas rio grande valley accepts 94.2%.
Do Kansas state or Texas rio grande valley graduates earn more?
Kansas state graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $57K vs $50K.
How much is tuition at Kansas state vs Texas rio grande valley?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,568 per year at Kansas state and $19,827 per year at Texas rio grande valley.
What SAT score do you need for Kansas state or Texas rio grande valley?
The median admitted SAT score is 1151 at Kansas state and 985 at Texas rio grande valley; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Kansas state or Texas rio grande valley?
Kansas state ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for Kansas state vs #801-900 for Texas rio grande valley.
Which university offers more financial aid — Kansas state or Texas rio grande valley?
The average aid package is $15,968 at Kansas state and $11,242 at Texas rio grande valley.
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