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