Washington university vs Kansas — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Washington university is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 93.5% acceptance). Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #301-400). Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $62K). Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $65,790 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 Washington university for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose Kansas for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Washington university is more selective (12.1% vs 93.5% acceptance); Washington university has a higher median SAT (1530 vs 1190).
Washington university graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $62K); Washington university has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 68.8%).
Kansas has lower sticker-price tuition ($30,432 vs $65,790); Washington university offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $19,700).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington university | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | — |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 93.5% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 25.5% |
| Median SAT | 1530 | 1190 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.20 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 22,363 |
| International students | 27% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $88K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $88K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 68.8% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 86% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $65,790 | $30,432 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $19,700 |
| % of need met | 100% | 78.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $27,212 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 29,792 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington university or Kansas?
It's harder to get into Washington university. Washington university accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Kansas accepts 93.5%.
Do Washington university or Kansas graduates earn more?
Washington university graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $62K.
How much is tuition at Washington university vs Kansas?
Sticker-price tuition is $65,790 per year at Washington university and $30,432 per year at Kansas.
What SAT score do you need for Washington university or Kansas?
The median admitted SAT score is 1530 at Washington university and 1190 at Kansas; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Washington university or Kansas?
Washington university ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington university vs #301-400 for Kansas.
Which university offers more financial aid — Washington university or Kansas?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington university and $19,700 at Kansas.
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