University of Missouri-Columbia vs University of Kansas
University of Missouri-Columbia reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($63,403 vs $61,945). University of Kansas recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 2.8 yrs vs 2.9 yrs).
| Measure | University of Missouri-ColumbiaMO | University of KansasKS |
|---|---|---|
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $63,403 | $61,945 |
| Years to recoup four-year net cost | 2.9 yrs | 2.8 yrs |
| Average net price per year | $20,268 | $18,059 |
| Sticker cost of attendance per year | $31,713 | $26,751 |
| Share earning above a high-school grad | 72.8% | 71.8% |
| Six-year graduation rate | 74.9% | 68.8% |
| First-year retention (full-time) | 92.7% | 86.5% |
| Admission rate | 78.5% | 93.5% |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $21,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 23,929 | 21,217 |
| Financial health (NACUBO CFI) | 3.4 | 6.9 |
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 Missouri-Columbia or University of Kansas a better value?
On the transparent payback measure, University of Kansas recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 2.8 yrs vs 2.9 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 Missouri-Columbia or University of Kansas?
University of Missouri-Columbia's average net price is $20,268 per year and University of Kansas's is $18,059 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students actually pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (2024-25); 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.