Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
The University of Kansas (KU), located in Lawrence, Kansas, approximately 40 miles west of Kansas City, is a large public institution that was established in 1865. The main campus, known for its distinctive Jayhawk mascot and prominent usage of Collegiate Gothic architecture, sprawls across 1,000 acres in a city setting, creating a traditional academic environment within a vibrant college town. KU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with noted strengths in special education, rural medicine, and city management and urban policy. The University is moderately selective in its admissions process. Housing is available on campus, with a range of residence halls and scholarship halls providing accommodation for a substantial sector of its student body. The Jayhawks participate in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference, with the basketball team in particular enjoying a storied reputation and widespread acclaim.
In the most recent statistical year 16,204 prospective students applied, and 14,234 were granted admission. Of those admitted 4,457 enrolled in the school. 22,306 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 4,402 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $10,092 plus fees of $1,075. KU is ranked 252 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
KU is rated within the top 33% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of Kansas within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#252 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#64 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Colleges in Kansas
#1 in Best Public Colleges in Kansas
#195 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Value Colleges in Kansas
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1090/1340 |
| ACT | 21/28 |
| GPA | 3.66 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $40 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Kansas Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,224 |
| Other Fees | $1,075 |
| Room and Board | $10,136 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,246 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,773 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,224 |
| Other Fees | $1,075 |
| Room and Board | $10,136 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,246 |
| Total One Year Cost | $42,641 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 15% |
| Communication | 12% |
| Social Sciences | 9% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 8% |
| Health Professions | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering KU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about University of Kansas.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=155317 IPEDS survey data for University of Kansas.
Current students may use the University of Kansas GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024