KU vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kansas is larger than WSU based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 16,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting); Wichita State University is in Wichita, KS (Large City setting).
• University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wichita State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kansas 18:1; Wichita State University 19:1.

KU vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KU or WSU? 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 Wichita State University than KU ($14,228 vs. $19,205).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kansas are 8.6% lower than at Wichita State University ($11,358 vs. $12,420).
• University of Kansas is 25% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $2,418 more per year; $12,102.00 vs. $9,684.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.2% higher at KU than at Wichita State University (about $10,563 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $19,869.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kansas than at Wichita State University (91% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kansas students is 42% larger than aid received by Wichita State University students ($11,541 vs. $8,125).

KU vs. WSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kansas (1190) is 120 points higher than at WSU (1070).
• Incoming KU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at WSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 1070/1300; Wichita State University 905/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 20/28; Wichita State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KU - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at WSU (3.48).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than KU (93.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.5% at KU vs. 20.1% at WSU.

KU vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KU and WSU? 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 Wichita State University's (43%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than WSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wichita State University and KU graduates have the same median loan debt ($20,500 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Wichita State University and KU graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($211 vs. $211).
• More KU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 55%)

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.