KU vs. ASU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kansas is larger than ASU based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 21,570 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting); Appalachian State University is in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting).
• University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kansas 18:1; Appalachian State University 16:1.

KU vs. ASU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KU or ASU? 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 Appalachian State University than KU ($14,978 vs. $19,205).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kansas are 11.7% lower than at Appalachian State University ($11,358 vs. $12,868).
• University of Kansas is 59.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than ASU (about $4,523 more per year; $12,102.00 vs. $7,579.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.7% higher at KU than at Appalachian State University (about $5,220 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $25,212.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kansas than at Appalachian State University (91% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kansas students is 44% larger than aid received by Appalachian State University students ($11,541 vs. $8,014).

KU vs. ASU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KU or ASU? 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 ASU and KU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 10 points higher than at KU (1190).
• Incoming KU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 24) as students at ASU (24).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 1070/1300; Appalachian State University 1120/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 20/28; Appalachian State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KU - Test optional; ASU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027; ASU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at KU (3.66).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than ASU (90.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.5% at KU vs. 18.2% at ASU.

KU vs. ASU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KU and ASU? 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).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than University of Kansas's (61%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than ASU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University and KU graduates have the same median loan debt ($20,500 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Appalachian State University and KU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($211 vs. $211).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KU students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 66%)

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.