University of Kansas vs K-State: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Kansas and Kansas State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Kansas vs K-State at a glance
University of Kansas admits 93.5% of applicants and K-State 81.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $20,004 at University of Kansas and $18,210 at K-State. Six-year graduation rates are 70.3% and 71.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Kansas admits 93.5% of applicants and K-State 81.7%, so K-State is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $20,004 a year at University of Kansas and $18,210 at K-State; K-State costs $1,794 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,379 at University of Kansas and $12,650 at K-State.
- 70.3% of students graduate within six years at University of Kansas, against 71.3% at K-State.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $67,963 for University of Kansas and $61,473 for K-State; University of Kansas is $6,490 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,000 at University of Kansas and $19,200 at K-State.
- University of Kansas enrolls 21,217 students (small city) and K-State 15,142 (small city).
Side by side
University of Kansas and K-State 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 Kansas | K-State |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 93.5% | 81.7% |
| Applicants | 15,275 | 9,822 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1070–1300 | 1060–1260 |
| ACT middle 50% | 20–28 | 20–27 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $20,004 | $18,210 |
| Tuition, in state | $12,453 | $11,579 |
| Tuition, out of state | $31,332 | $29,533 |
| Cost of attendance | $29,237 | $27,073 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,379 | $12,650 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,373 | $11,613 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,017 | $13,499 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $20,151 | $19,307 |
| Over $110,000 | $24,765 | $23,192 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 70.3% | 71.3% |
| First-year retention | 86.5% | 85.6% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $67,963 | $61,473 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,000 | $19,200 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $227 | $218 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 21,217 | 15,142 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Small |
| Location | Lawrence, KS | Manhattan, 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 Kansas reports 87 bachelor's programs and K-State 92; 49 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Kansas vs K-State
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Kansas or K-State?
K-State is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Kansas admits 93.5% of applicants and K-State admits 81.7%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Kansas 1070–1300; K-State 1060–1260.
Which is cheaper, University of Kansas or K-State?
K-State has the lower average net price after grants: $20,004 a year at University of Kansas against $18,210 at K-State. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,379 and $12,650. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Kansas or K-State graduates earn more?
University of Kansas graduates earn more at the median: $67,963 ten years after entry for University of Kansas and $61,473 for K-State. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,000 and $19,200.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Kansas or K-State?
K-State does: 70.3% of University of Kansas students graduate within six years, against 71.3% at K-State.
How big are University of Kansas and K-State?
University of Kansas has 21,217 students in Lawrence, KS and K-State has 15,142 students in Manhattan, KS.