Kansas 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 93.5% acceptance). Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #501-600). Kansas graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $57K). Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 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, higher graduate earnings, higher retention.
Choose Kansas state for: higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate, lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Kansas state is more selective (81.7% vs 93.5% acceptance); Kansas has a higher median SAT (1190 vs 1151).
Kansas graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $57K); Kansas state has a higher 6-year graduation rate (71.1% vs 68.8%).
Kansas state has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $30,432); Kansas offers a larger average aid package ($19,700 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Kansas | Kansas state |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 93.5% | 81.7% |
| Yield rate | 25.5% | 27.5% |
| Median SAT | 1190 | 1151 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.80 |
| Number of applications | 22,363 | 15,432 |
| International students | 7% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $57K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $52K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $83K |
| Graduation rate | 68.8% | 71.1% |
| Retention rate | 86% | 85.6% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $21,250 |
| Tuition · year | $30,432 | $28,568 |
| Avg. aid package | $19,700 | $15,968 |
| % of need met | 78.6% | 77% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,212 | $25,179 |
| Application fee | $40 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 29,792 | 20,295 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Kansas or Kansas state?
It's harder to get into Kansas state. Kansas accepts 93.5% of applicants, while Kansas state accepts 81.7%.
Do Kansas or Kansas state graduates earn more?
Kansas graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $62K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Kansas vs Kansas state?
Sticker-price tuition is $30,432 per year at Kansas and $28,568 per year at Kansas state.
What SAT score do you need for Kansas or Kansas state?
The median admitted SAT score is 1190 at Kansas and 1151 at Kansas state; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Kansas or Kansas state?
Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Kansas vs #501-600 for Kansas state.
Which university offers more financial aid — Kansas or Kansas state?
The average aid package is $19,700 at Kansas and $15,968 at Kansas state.
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