KU vs. UVU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS with Utah Valley University in Orem, UT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Utah Valley University is larger than KU based on total student enrollment (46,807 students vs. 29,792 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting); Utah Valley University is in Orem, UT (Small City setting).
• University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Utah Valley University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kansas 18:1; Utah Valley University 26:1.

KU vs. UVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KU or UVU? 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 Utah Valley University than KU ($8,721 vs. $19,205).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kansas are 6.5% lower than at Utah Valley University ($11,358 vs. $12,150).
• University of Kansas is 86% more expensive for in-state tuition than UVU (about $5,595 more per year; $12,102.00 vs. $6,507.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.6% higher at KU than at Utah Valley University (about $11,943 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $18,489.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kansas than at Utah Valley University (91% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kansas students is 103.5% larger than aid received by Utah Valley University students ($11,541 vs. $5,670).

KU vs. UVU Admissions comparison

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

• Utah Valley University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 1070/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KU - Test optional; UVU - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027; UVU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at UVU (3.52).

KU vs. UVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KU and UVU? 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 Utah Valley University's (25%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than UVU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $49,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Utah Valley University graduates have a $5,300 lower median loan debt than KU graduates ($15,200 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, UVU graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than KU graduates ($157 vs. $211).
• More KU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UVU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 60%)

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.