CU Boulder vs University of Kansas: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Colorado Boulder and University of Kansas, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
CU Boulder vs University of Kansas at a glance
CU Boulder admits 78.1% of applicants and University of Kansas 93.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $23,708 at CU Boulder and $20,004 at University of Kansas. Six-year graduation rates are 74.3% and 70.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- CU Boulder admits 78.1% of applicants and University of Kansas 93.5%, so CU Boulder is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $23,708 a year at CU Boulder and $20,004 at University of Kansas; University of Kansas costs $3,704 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $13,403 at CU Boulder and $15,379 at University of Kansas.
- 74.3% of students graduate within six years at CU Boulder, against 70.3% at University of Kansas.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $77,574 for CU Boulder and $67,963 for University of Kansas; CU Boulder is $9,611 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,500 at CU Boulder and $20,000 at University of Kansas.
- CU Boulder enrolls 31,939 students (midsize city) and University of Kansas 21,217 (small city).
Side by side
CU Boulder and University of Kansas in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | CU Boulder | University of Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 78.1% | 93.5% |
| Applicants | 54,756 | 15,275 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1240–1430 | 1070–1300 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–33 | 20–28 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $23,708 | $20,004 |
| Tuition, in state | $17,513 | $12,453 |
| Tuition, out of state | $47,142 | $31,332 |
| Cost of attendance | $37,189 | $29,237 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $13,403 | $15,379 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,558 | $15,373 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,684 | $16,017 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $21,719 | $20,151 |
| Over $110,000 | $34,026 | $24,765 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 74.3% | 70.3% |
| First-year retention | 90.2% | 86.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $77,574 | $67,963 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,500 | $20,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $210 | $227 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 31,939 | 21,217 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
| Location | Boulder, CO | Lawrence, KS |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
CU Boulder reports 69 bachelor's programs and University of Kansas 87; 50 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about CU Boulder vs University of Kansas
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into CU Boulder or University of Kansas?
CU Boulder is harder to get into by acceptance rate: CU Boulder admits 78.1% of applicants and University of Kansas admits 93.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: CU Boulder 1240–1430; University of Kansas 1070–1300.
Which is cheaper, CU Boulder or University of Kansas?
University of Kansas has the lower average net price after grants: $23,708 a year at CU Boulder against $20,004 at University of Kansas. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $13,403 and $15,379. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do CU Boulder or University of Kansas graduates earn more?
CU Boulder graduates earn more at the median: $77,574 ten years after entry for CU Boulder and $67,963 for University of Kansas. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,500 and $20,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, CU Boulder or University of Kansas?
CU Boulder does: 74.3% of CU Boulder students graduate within six years, against 70.3% at University of Kansas.
How big are CU Boulder and University of Kansas?
CU Boulder has 31,939 students in Boulder, CO and University of Kansas has 21,217 students in Lawrence, KS.