Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas · Public · 81.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 69/100 · Fair Value
Kansas State University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $11,221/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $28,568/yr |
| Average net price | $19,406/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $77,624 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,262 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $41,400 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $225 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 71.1% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 15,142 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,178 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,143 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,369 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,110 |
| $110,001+ | $23,665 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Kansas State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education | $46,562 | C |
| Animal Sciences | $50,941 | C |
| Finance and Financial Management | $75,705 | C+ |
| Marketing | $69,837 | C+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $69,735 | B |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,533 | B+ |
| Nutrition Sciences | $62,128 | D |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $65,677 | D |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $53,337 | C |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $107,194 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Kansas State University is $11,221/year ($28,568/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $19,406/year, or roughly $77,624 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $13,178/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $23,665/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,250 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $225 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $57,262 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.51 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 78.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 81.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 74.7% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 80.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 81.7% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 510-620 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 550-640 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-27 |
| Enrollment | 15,142 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 20.7% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,853 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas State University (this school) | 69 | $19,406 | $57,262 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | 72 | $15,664 | $57,624 |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | 67 | $23,331 | $61,258 |
| Rowan University | 66 | $22,408 | $59,988 |
| Fort Hays State University | 52 | $12,569 | $48,928 |
| Emporia State University | 44 | $16,261 | $47,601 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Kansas State University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $19,406 per year leads to $77,624 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $57,262 a decade out. The payback period of 9.8 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: a 71.1% graduation rate.
Median debt of $21,250 against $57,262 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.