KU vs. University of Missouri-Columbia

Comparable Facts

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

University of Missouri Columbia is larger than KU based on total student enrollment (31,543 students vs. 29,792 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting); University of Missouri Columbia is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kansas 18:1; University of Missouri Columbia 17:1.

KU vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KU or University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 University of Kansas than University of Missouri-Columbia ($19,205 vs. $22,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kansas are 17.1% lower than at University of Missouri Columbia ($11,358 vs. $13,700).
• University of Missouri Columbia is 22.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than KU (about $2,735 more per year; $14,837.00 vs. $12,102.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.5% higher at University of Missouri-Columbia than at University of Kansas (about $5,624 more per year; $36,056.00 vs. $30,432.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Missouri Columbia than at University of Kansas (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students is 14.4% larger than aid received by University of Kansas students ($13,203 vs. $11,541).

KU vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Missouri Columbia (1240) is 50 points higher than at KU (1190).
• Incoming University of Missouri-Columbia students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at KU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 1070/1300; University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 20/28; University of Missouri Columbia 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KU - Test optional; University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at University of Missouri-Columbia (3.61).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than University of Missouri-Columbia (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.5% at KU vs. 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia.

KU vs. University of Missouri-Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KU and University of Missouri-Columbia? 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 Missouri Columbia's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than University of Kansas's (61%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $400 more per year than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $54,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kansas graduates have a $1,383 lower median loan debt than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,883).
• Among borrowers, KU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates ($211 vs. $226).
• More University of Missouri-Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KU students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.