CSU vs. KU

Comparable Facts

Compare Chicago State University in Chicago, IL with University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kansas is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chicago State University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); University of Kansas is in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting).
• Chicago State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chicago State University 9:1; University of Kansas 18:1.

CSU vs. KU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or KU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Chicago State University than KU ($10,441 vs. $19,205).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kansas are 1.7% lower than at Chicago State University ($11,358 vs. $11,550).
• Chicago State University is 5.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than KU (about $652 more per year; $12,754.00 vs. $12,102.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 138.6% higher at KU than at Chicago State University (about $17,678 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $12,754.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chicago State University than at University of Kansas (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chicago State University students is 57.6% larger than aid received by University of Kansas students ($18,194 vs. $11,541).

CSU vs. KU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or KU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between KU and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kansas (1190) is 330 points higher than at CSU (860).
• Incoming KU students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 17 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 750/963; University of Kansas 1070/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chicago State University 15/19; University of Kansas 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; KU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KU students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at CSU (3.18).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than CSU (43.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.8% at CSU vs. 25.5% at KU.

CSU vs. KU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and KU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Kansas's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Chicago State University's (21%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $16,300 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $38,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kansas graduates have a $10,750 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $31,250).
• Among borrowers, KU graduates have an estimated $112 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($211 vs. $323).
• More KU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 25%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.