KU vs. Missouri State University-Springfield

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kansas is larger than Missouri State University-Springfield based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 24,360 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting); Missouri State University Springfield is in Springfield, MO (Midsize City setting).
• University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Missouri State University Springfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kansas 18:1; Missouri State University Springfield 21:1.

KU vs. Missouri State University-Springfield Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KU or Missouri State University-Springfield? 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 Missouri State University Springfield than KU ($17,181 vs. $19,205).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Missouri State University Springfield are 3.1% lower than at University of Kansas ($11,006 vs. $11,358).
• University of Kansas is 27.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Missouri State University-Springfield (about $2,600 more per year; $12,102.00 vs. $9,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.1% higher at KU than at Missouri State University Springfield (about $11,662 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $18,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kansas than at Missouri State University Springfield (91% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kansas students is 31.6% larger than aid received by Missouri State University Springfield students ($11,541 vs. $8,770).

KU vs. Missouri State University-Springfield Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KU or Missouri State University-Springfield? 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 Missouri State University-Springfield and KU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kansas (1190) is 40 points higher than at Missouri State University-Springfield (1150).
• Incoming KU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Missouri State University-Springfield).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 1070/1300; Missouri State University Springfield 1020/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 20/28; Missouri State University Springfield 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KU - Test optional; Missouri State University-Springfield - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Missouri State University-Springfield students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at KU (3.66).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Missouri State University-Springfield (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.5% at KU vs. 25.6% at Missouri State University-Springfield.

KU vs. Missouri State University-Springfield Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KU and Missouri State University-Springfield? 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 Missouri State University Springfield's (55%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than Missouri State University-Springfield graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $42,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kansas graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Missouri State University-Springfield graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, KU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Missouri State University-Springfield graduates ($211 vs. $232).
• More Missouri State University-Springfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KU students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.