University of Kansas
About University of Kansas
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
The University of Kansas is a public research university in Lawrence, Kansas. It is the state flagship and offers strong programs in business, engineering, pharmacy, and journalism. KU is also known for its storied men's basketball program.
Founded
1865
Location
Lawrence, Kansas
Students
28,924
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
93.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
68.8%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$12,102
Out-of-state: $30,432
Avg Net Price
$18,059
After financial aid
SAT Average
1190
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$61,945
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$40
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
University of Kansas accepts the majority of applicants at 93.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1190/ 1600
ACT Scores
25/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
68.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
86.5%
4-Year Grad
50%
6-Year Grad
66%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
77.9%
$/Student
$23.0K
Class Size
Medium
While 50% finish in 4 years, 86.5% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$12,102
In-State
$30,432
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,358
Books & Supplies
$1,224
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,751
After Financial Aid
$18,059
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,544
Receive Grants
20.5%
Take Loans
37.4%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,751/yr for in-state students, including $11,358 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $18,059. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $30,432.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Kansas fund their education.
While in School
20.5%
Get Grants
Free money
37.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$64,240
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$223/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 37.4% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Kansas.
Gender
53.6%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
21,217
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
7,707
Graduates
22.2%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
6.9%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 22.2% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
21,217
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Kansas fields 11 varsity teams with 685 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Big Twelve
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
685
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
49% / 51%
337
Men
348
Women
5
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Kansasearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$61,945
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$37K
291 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$58K
206 grads
1yr Earnings
Journalism
$43K
203 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$34K
201 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$65K
191 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$48K
188 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $51K at six years, $52K at eight, and $62K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Kansas
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.