Southern california vs Kansas — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Southern california is the more selective of the two (9.8% vs 93.5% acceptance). Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#62 vs #301-400). Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $62K). Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $72,097 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 Southern california for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Kansas for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Southern california is more selective (9.8% vs 93.5% acceptance); Southern california has a higher median SAT (1495 vs 1190).
Southern california graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($92K vs $62K); Southern california has a higher 6-year graduation rate (91.8% vs 68.8%).
Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $72,097); Southern california offers a larger average aid package ($71,169 vs $19,700).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Southern california | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #62 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #72 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 9.8% | 93.5% |
| Yield rate | 43.3% | 25.5% |
| Median SAT | 1495 | 1190 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.80 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 82,027 | 22,363 |
| International students | 27% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $92K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $89K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $141K | $88K |
| Graduation rate | 91.8% | 68.8% |
| Retention rate | 95.6% | 86% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $72,097 | $30,432 |
| Avg. aid package | $71,169 | $19,700 |
| % of need met | 99.3% | 78.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $27,678 | $27,212 |
| Application fee | $85 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 46,566 | 29,792 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Southern california or Kansas?
It's harder to get into Southern california. Southern california accepts 9.8% of applicants, while Kansas accepts 93.5%.
Do Southern california or Kansas graduates earn more?
Southern california graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $92K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Southern california vs Kansas?
Sticker-price tuition is $72,097 per year at Southern california and $30,432 per year at Kansas.
What SAT score do you need for Southern california or Kansas?
The median admitted SAT score is 1495 at Southern california and 1190 at Kansas; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Southern california or Kansas?
Southern california ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #62 for Southern california vs #301-400 for Kansas.
Which university offers more financial aid — Southern california or Kansas?
The average aid package is $71,169 at Southern california and $19,700 at Kansas.
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