KU vs. Truman State

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kansas is larger than Truman State based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 3,664 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting); Truman State University is in Kirksville, MO (Remote Town setting).
• University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Truman State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kansas 18:1; Truman State University 12:1.

KU vs. Truman State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KU or Truman State? 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 Truman State University than KU ($13,602 vs. $19,205).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Truman State University are 2% lower than at University of Kansas ($11,128 vs. $11,358).
• University of Kansas is 23% more expensive for in-state tuition than Truman State (about $2,264 more per year; $12,102.00 vs. $9,838.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.9% higher at KU than at Truman State University (about $11,866 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $18,566.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Truman State University than at University of Kansas (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Truman State University students is 5.6% larger than aid received by University of Kansas students ($12,186 vs. $11,541).

KU vs. Truman State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Truman State University (1270) is 80 points higher than at KU (1190).
• Incoming Truman State students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 24 at KU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 1070/1300; Truman State University 1170/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 20/28; Truman State University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KU - Test optional; Truman State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Truman State students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at KU (3.66).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Truman State (83.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.5% at KU vs. 25.9% at Truman State.

KU vs. Truman State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KU and Truman State? 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).

• Truman State University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than University of Kansas's (61%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Truman State graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $49,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kansas graduates have a $2,156 lower median loan debt than Truman State graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,656).
• Among borrowers, KU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Truman State graduates ($211 vs. $234).
• More Truman State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KU students, three years after graduation. (76% 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.