University of Kansas vs. Kansas State University
A side-by-side comparison of Kansas and Kansas State — acceptance rates (93.5% vs. 82%), SAT scores (1090–1280 vs. 1060–1255), tuition, financial aid, and majors, drawn from each school's official Common Data Set.
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Acceptance Rate
Overall acceptance rate, plus the in-state and out-of-state admit rates the school reports separately.
Admit rate by residency
% admittedEarly Admissions
Kansas does not offer an Early Decision or Early Action plan; all applicants apply through Regular Decision.
Standardized Tests
Kansas is currently test-optional — you may apply without submitting scores.
SAT Accepted?
ACT Accepted?
Test Optional?
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Class Rank
Where Kansas's enrolled first-years placed in their high school graduating class.
Based on the 53% of enrolled students who reported a class rank. Kansas does not publish an average GPA.
Admissions Factors
How Kansas weighs each part of your application.
Rigor of High School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular Activities
Character / Personal Qualities
Talent / Ability
First Generation
Level of Applicant's Interest
Class Rank
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
Geographical Residence
State Residency
Alumni Relation
Racial / Ethnic Status
Religious Affiliation
Cost of Attendance
Estimated full-time annual cost from Kansas's Common Data Set. Only tuition changes with residency.
Out-of-state students pay $18,330 more — entirely in tuition. Room, board, and other costs are identical regardless of residency.
Financial Aid
Need-based aid statistics for full-time first-year students.
Major Distribution
Bachelor's degrees awarded in the past year by academic major.
Student Diversity
Racial and ethnic breakdown of enrolled undergraduate students.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The number of students for every one faculty member, indicating the average level of access students have to instructional staff.
Campus Life
On-campus housing and Greek life participation rates.
Enrollment by Gender
Since some students did not report gender, totals may not fully reflect the student body.
Acceptance Rate
Overall acceptance rate, plus the in-state and out-of-state admit rates the school reports separately.
Admit rate by residency
% admittedEarly Admissions
Kansas State does not offer an Early Decision or Early Action plan; all applicants apply through Regular Decision.
Standardized Tests
Kansas State is currently test-optional — you may apply without submitting scores.
SAT Accepted?
ACT Accepted?
Test Optional?
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Class Rank
Where Kansas State's enrolled first-years placed in their high school graduating class.
Based on the 67% of enrolled students who reported a class rank. Kansas State does not publish an average GPA.
Admissions Factors
How Kansas State weighs each part of your application.
Rigor of High School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular Activities
Character / Personal Qualities
Talent / Ability
First Generation
Level of Applicant's Interest
Class Rank
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
Geographical Residence
State Residency
Alumni Relation
Racial / Ethnic Status
Religious Affiliation
Cost of Attendance
Estimated full-time annual cost from Kansas State's Common Data Set. Only tuition changes with residency.
Out-of-state students pay $17,347 more — entirely in tuition. Room, board, and other costs are identical regardless of residency.
Financial Aid
Need-based aid statistics for full-time first-year students.
Major Distribution
Bachelor's degrees awarded in the past year by academic major.
Student Diversity
Racial and ethnic breakdown of enrolled undergraduate students.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The number of students for every one faculty member, indicating the average level of access students have to instructional staff.
Campus Life
On-campus housing and Greek life participation rates.
Enrollment by Gender
Since some students did not report gender, totals may not fully reflect the student body.
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Kansas vs. Kansas State: frequently asked questions
Is Kansas or Kansas State harder to get into?＋
Kansas State is more selective: it admits about 82% of applicants, compared with 93.5% at Kansas. Both are competitive, and your odds depend on far more than the overall rate.
Which has higher SAT scores, Kansas or Kansas State?＋
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1090–1280 at Kansas and 1060–1255 at Kansas State on the SAT. Treat the ranges as a benchmark — a score inside or above a school's range keeps you competitive there.
Is Kansas or Kansas State cheaper for out-of-state students?＋
Kansas State has the lower published price for out-of-state students — $28,568 in tuition and fees versus $30,432 at Kansas, a gap of about $1,864 a year before financial aid.
Does Kansas or Kansas State have a higher graduation rate?＋
Kansas State graduates a higher share of its students within six years — 71% versus 69% at Kansas.
Source: University of Kansas Common Data Set 2024-2025. Figures transcribed 2026-06-10. Esslo aggregates publicly reported data and is not affiliated with Kansas. Banner photo by Gen. Quon, via Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0).
Source: Kansas State University Common Data Set 2024-2025. Figures transcribed 2026-06-10. Esslo aggregates publicly reported data and is not affiliated with Kansas State. Banner photo by J. Corbett, via Wikimedia Commons (CC0 1.0).