University of Iowa vs University of Kansas: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Iowa and University of Kansas, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Iowa vs University of Kansas at a glance
University of Iowa admits 83.6% of applicants and University of Kansas 93.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $22,508 at University of Iowa and $20,004 at University of Kansas. Six-year graduation rates are 75.8% and 70.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Iowa admits 83.6% of applicants and University of Kansas 93.5%, so University of Iowa is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $22,508 a year at University of Iowa and $20,004 at University of Kansas; University of Kansas costs $2,504 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,353 at University of Iowa and $15,379 at University of Kansas.
- 75.8% of students graduate within six years at University of Iowa, against 70.3% at University of Kansas.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $70,727 for University of Iowa and $67,963 for University of Kansas; University of Iowa is $2,764 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $21,262 at University of Iowa and $20,000 at University of Kansas.
- University of Iowa enrolls 22,264 students (small city) and University of Kansas 21,217 (small city).
Side by side
University of Iowa 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 | University of Iowa | University of Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 83.6% | 93.5% |
| Applicants | 22,434 | 15,275 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1130–1330 | 1070–1300 |
| ACT middle 50% | 21–28 | 20–28 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $22,508 | $20,004 |
| Tuition, in state | $11,622 | $12,453 |
| Tuition, out of state | $33,710 | $31,332 |
| Cost of attendance | $29,219 | $29,237 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,353 | $15,379 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,374 | $15,373 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $17,179 | $16,017 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $22,278 | $20,151 |
| Over $110,000 | $26,721 | $24,765 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 75.8% | 70.3% |
| First-year retention | 90.4% | 86.5% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $70,727 | $67,963 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $21,262 | $20,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $242 | $227 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 22,264 | 21,217 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Small |
| Location | Iowa City, IA | 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
University of Iowa reports 78 bachelor's programs and University of Kansas 87; 60 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Behavioral Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Psychology, General
Questions about University of Iowa vs University of Kansas
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Iowa or University of Kansas?
University of Iowa is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Iowa admits 83.6% of applicants and University of Kansas admits 93.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Iowa 1130–1330; University of Kansas 1070–1300.
Which is cheaper, University of Iowa or University of Kansas?
University of Kansas has the lower average net price after grants: $22,508 a year at University of Iowa against $20,004 at University of Kansas. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,353 and $15,379. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Iowa or University of Kansas graduates earn more?
University of Iowa graduates earn more at the median: $70,727 ten years after entry for University of Iowa and $67,963 for University of Kansas. Median federal debt at graduation is $21,262 and $20,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Iowa or University of Kansas?
University of Iowa does: 75.8% of University of Iowa students graduate within six years, against 70.3% at University of Kansas.
How big are University of Iowa and University of Kansas?
University of Iowa has 22,264 students in Iowa City, IA and University of Kansas has 21,217 students in Lawrence, KS.