Washington University vs Kansas State - US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
The verdict, from the data
These are two different admissions games: Washington University admits 12.1% of applications, Kansas State admits 82%.
The more international environment is at Washington University (9.4% international students) than Kansas State (1.7%).
For an applicant from outside the US the difference is financial: Washington University awards international students $68,438 on average, Kansas State awards $5,729.
The order of prices reverses once aid is counted: Washington University starts at $94,289 against $43,928 and ends at $18,685 against $27,960 (Kansas State).
These numbers describe the cohorts already enrolled, not your chances; treat them as a starting point rather than a forecast.
Every sentence above comes from a field we hold in canonical. Where the data is missing, or the gap is small enough to be noise, the sentence simply does not appear.
EXPERT TAKE
Washington University is the more selective of the two (12.1% vs 82% acceptance). Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#23 vs #501-600). Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $57K). Kansas State has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $69,594 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 State for: lower tuition, lower graduate debt.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Washington University is more selective (12.1% vs 82% acceptance); Washington University has a higher median SAT (1540 vs 1150).
Washington University graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($86K vs $57K); Washington University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (94.3% vs 71.1%).
Kansas State has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,568 vs $69,594); Washington University offers a larger average aid package ($75,604 vs $15,968).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Washington University | Kansas State |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #23 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | #69 | - |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 82% |
| Yield rate | 46.7% | 27.5% |
| Median SAT | 1540 | 1150 |
| Avg. GPA | 4.19 | 3.81 |
| Number of applications | 32,754 | 15,432 |
| International students | 9.4% | 1.7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $86K | $57K |
| Bottom 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $61K | $39K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $137K | $83K |
| Graduation rate | 94.3% | 71.1% |
| Retention rate | 95% | 85.6% |
| Median debt | $17,500 | $21,250 |
| Tuition · year | $69,594 | $28,568 |
| Avg. aid package | $75,604 | $15,968 |
| % of need met | 100% | 77% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $26,666 | $25,179 |
| Application fee | $75 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 16,357 | 20,295 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Washington University or Kansas State?
It's harder to get into Washington University. Washington University accepts 12.1% of applicants, while Kansas State accepts 82%.
Do Washington University or Kansas State graduates earn more?
Washington University graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $86K vs $57K.
How much is tuition at Washington University vs Kansas State?
Sticker-price tuition is $69,594 per year at Washington University and $28,568 per year at Kansas State.
What SAT score do you need for Washington University or Kansas State?
The median admitted SAT score is 1540 at Washington University and 1150 at Kansas State; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher - Washington University or Kansas State?
Washington University ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #23 for Washington University vs #501-600 for Kansas State.
Which university offers more financial aid - Washington University or Kansas State?
The average aid package is $75,604 at Washington University and $15,968 at Kansas State.
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