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