KU vs. OU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS with University of Oklahoma Norman Campus in Norman, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus is larger than KU based on total student enrollment (30,851 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 Oklahoma Norman Campus is in Norman, OK (Small Suburban setting).
• University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kansas 18:1; University of Oklahoma Norman Campus 18:1.

KU vs. OU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KU or OU? 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 Oklahoma Norman Campus than KU ($18,574 vs. $19,205).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kansas are 16.7% lower than at University of Oklahoma Norman Campus ($11,358 vs. $13,630).
• University of Kansas is 23.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than OU (about $2,305 more per year; $12,102.00 vs. $9,797.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.2% higher at KU than at University of Oklahoma Norman Campus (about $3,055 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $27,377.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Oklahoma Norman Campus than at University of Kansas (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kansas students is 1.6% larger than aid received by University of Oklahoma Norman Campus students ($11,541 vs. $11,356).

KU vs. OU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Oklahoma Norman Campus (1240) is 50 points higher than at KU (1190).
• Incoming OU 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 Oklahoma Norman Campus 1140/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 20/28; University of Oklahoma Norman Campus 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KU - Test optional; OU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027; OU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KU students have the same average high school GPA (3.66) as students at OU (3.66).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than OU (76.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.5% at KU vs. 29.3% at OU.

KU vs. OU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KU and OU? 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 Oklahoma Norman Campus's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than University of Kansas's (61%).
• Graduates from University of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than KU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,300 vs. $54,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Oklahoma Norman Campus graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than KU graduates ($20,000 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, OU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than KU graduates ($206 vs. $211).
• More OU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KU students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.