Kansas vs Virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Virginia is the more selective of the two (16.8% vs 93.5% acceptance). Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #201-300). Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $62K). Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $59,512 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: lower tuition.
Choose Virginia for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Virginia is more selective (16.8% vs 93.5% acceptance); Virginia has a higher median SAT (1480 vs 1190).
Virginia graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($87K vs $62K); Virginia has a higher 6-year graduation rate (95.6% vs 68.8%).
Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $59,512); Virginia offers a larger average aid package ($37,123 vs $19,700).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Kansas | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #201-300 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 93.5% | 16.8% |
| Yield rate | 25.5% | 40% |
| Median SAT | 1190 | 1480 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | — |
| Number of applications | 22,363 | 58,951 |
| International students | 7% | 12% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $62K | $87K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $59K | $79K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $130K |
| Graduation rate | 68.8% | 95.6% |
| Retention rate | 86% | 97.9% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $17,500 |
| Tuition · year | $30,432 | $59,512 |
| Avg. aid package | $19,700 | $37,123 |
| % of need met | 78.6% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,212 | $25,137 |
| Application fee | $40 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 29,792 | 26,470 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Kansas or Virginia?
It's harder to get into Virginia. Kansas accepts 93.5% of applicants, while Virginia accepts 16.8%.
Do Kansas or Virginia graduates earn more?
Virginia graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $87K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Kansas vs Virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $30,432 per year at Kansas and $59,512 per year at Virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Kansas or Virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1190 at Kansas and 1480 at Virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Kansas or Virginia?
Virginia ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Kansas vs #201-300 for Virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Kansas or Virginia?
The average aid package is $19,700 at Kansas and $37,123 at Virginia.
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