University of Iowa vs University of Kansas
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
University of Iowa and University of Kansas are closely matched on financial return. University of Iowa scores 76/100 while University of Kansas scores 76/100 - a gap small enough that individual circumstances (major choice, financial aid package, in-state vs out-of-state status) will likely matter more than the overall score difference.
On cost, University of Kansas comes in at $18,059 per year (net price after aid) versus $22,531 at University of Iowa - a difference of $4,472 annually, or roughly $17,888 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Iowa graduates earn a median of $64,762 compared to $61,945 at University of Kansas. The payback period is 7.7 years at University of Iowa versus 7.9 years at University of Kansas.
Graduates leave University of Kansas with a median $21,000 in debt versus $22,500 at University of Iowa. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.47 and 0.47 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Iowa | University of Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,283 | $12,102 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $33,371 | $30,432 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,531 | $18,059 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $90,124 | $72,236 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,700 | $45,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $64,762 | $61,945 |
| Graduation Rate | 74.6% | 68.8% |
| Payback Period | 7.7 yr | 7.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $22,500 | $21,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $239 | $223 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.47 | 0.47 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 79.4% | 77.1% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 76.4% | 72.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 83.6% | 93.5% |
| Enrollment | 22,264 | 21,217 |
| SAT Range | 1130-1330 | 1070-1300 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Iowa | University of Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $15,316 | $12,544 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $15,489 | $12,942 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $19,930 | $15,154 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $23,811 | $19,169 |
| $110,001+ | $26,266 | $22,544 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Iowa | University of Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $79,228 | $113,339 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $91,720 | $107,635 |
| Chemical Engineering | $97,329 | $93,391 |
| Electrical Engineering | $97,208 | $81,330 |
| Accounting | $92,767 | $84,736 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $88,264 | $92,008 |
| Civil Engineering | $83,350 | $89,087 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $89,078 | $82,934 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $88,229 | $86,453 |
| Mathematics | $82,411 | $64,905 |
| Marketing | $81,994 | $70,404 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $65,072 | $81,568 |
| Registered Nursing | $78,836 | $78,601 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,605 | $77,725 |
| Economics | $76,746 | $69,084 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Iowa | University of Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 72 | 79 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 78 | 77 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 78 | 79 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 85 | 77 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 69 | 61 |
| Overall ROI Score | 76 | 76 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Iowa edges out University of Kansas by 0 points (76 vs 76), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Iowa
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Kansas
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.