University of Kansas vs Kansas State University
University of Kansas reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($61,945 vs $57,262). University of Kansas recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 3.2 yrs vs 4.3 yrs).
| Measure | University of KansasKS | Kansas State UniversityKS |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry2020-21 | $61,945 | $57,262 |
| Years to recoup four-year net costearnings 2020-21, net price 2024-25 | 3.2 yrs | 4.3 yrs |
| Average net price per year2024-25 | $18,059 | $19,406 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year2024-25 | $26,751 | $27,402 |
| Six-year graduation rate2024-25 | 68.8% | 71.1% |
| First-year retention (full-time)2024-25 | 86.5% | 85.6% |
| Admission rate2024-25 | 93.5% | 81.7% |
| Median federal debt at graduation2020-21 | $21,000 | $21,250 |
| Undergraduate enrollment2024-25 | 21,217 | 15,142 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI)IPEDS FY2022-23 | 6.9 | 5.6 |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.
Is University of Kansas or Kansas State University a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of Kansas recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 3.2 yrs vs 4.3 yrs). Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals. Use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.
Which costs more, University of Kansas or Kansas State University?
University of Kansas's average net price is $18,059 per year and Kansas State University's is $19,406 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (data year under each measure); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.