West virginia vs Kansas — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
West virginia is the more selective of the two (89% vs 93.5% acceptance). Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#501-600 vs #301-400). Kansas graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $56K). West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $30,432 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 West virginia for: higher selectivity, lower tuition.
Choose Kansas for: a higher world ranking, higher graduate earnings, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
West virginia is more selective (89% vs 93.5% acceptance); Kansas has a higher median SAT (1190 vs 1122).
Kansas graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($62K vs $56K); Kansas has a higher 6-year graduation rate (68.8% vs 64.7%).
West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $30,432); Kansas offers a larger average aid package ($19,700 vs $16,730).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | West virginia | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #501-600 | #301-400 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 89% | 93.5% |
| Yield rate | 26.5% | 25.5% |
| Median SAT | 1122 | 1190 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.70 | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 20,150 | 22,363 |
| International students | 5% | 7% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $56K | $62K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $53K | $59K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $84K | $88K |
| Graduation rate | 64.7% | 68.8% |
| Retention rate | 83.4% | 86% |
| Median debt | $22,500 | $21,000 |
| Tuition · year | $28,608 | $30,432 |
| Avg. aid package | $16,730 | $19,700 |
| % of need met | 63% | 78.6% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $36,010 | $27,212 |
| Application fee | $65 | $40 |
| Enrollment | 23,643 | 29,792 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into West virginia or Kansas?
It's harder to get into West virginia. West virginia accepts 89% of applicants, while Kansas accepts 93.5%.
Do West virginia or Kansas graduates earn more?
Kansas graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $62K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at West virginia vs Kansas?
Sticker-price tuition is $28,608 per year at West virginia and $30,432 per year at Kansas.
What SAT score do you need for West virginia or Kansas?
The median admitted SAT score is 1122 at West virginia and 1190 at Kansas; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — West virginia or Kansas?
Kansas ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #501-600 for West virginia vs #301-400 for Kansas.
Which university offers more financial aid — West virginia or Kansas?
The average aid package is $16,730 at West virginia and $19,700 at Kansas.
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