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University of Kansas and Kansas State University are both public institutions — University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS and Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Lawrence, KS · Public
Acceptance rate: 93.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 21,217
Tuition: $30,432/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 68.8%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Lawrence, KS with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
Manhattan, KS · Public
Acceptance rate: 81.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 15,142
Tuition: $28,568/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 71.1%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Agriculture, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Manhattan, KS with published program strength in Business and marketing and Agriculture.
| Factor | University of Kansas | Kansas State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 93.5% | 81.7% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1070–1300 |
| 1060–1260 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 20–28 | 20–27 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 21,217 | 15,142 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $30,432/year | $28,568/year |
| Average net price after aid | $18,059 | $19,406 |
| Graduation rate | 68.8% | 71.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $61,945 | $57,262 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 18.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Lawrence, KS | Manhattan, KS |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Engineering | Business and marketing, Agriculture, Engineering |
Kansas State University is more selective (81.7% vs 93.5% acceptance rate). University of Kansas has a lower average net price after grant aid ($18,059 vs $19,406). Kansas State University reports the higher graduation rate (71.1% vs 68.8%). University of Kansas is the larger undergraduate campus (21,217 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between University of Kansas and Kansas State University
University of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 93.5%; Kansas State University is around 81.7%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Kansas tuition is $30,432/year. Kansas State University is $28,568/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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