University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas · Public · 93.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 76/100 · Strong Value
University of Kansas
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $12,102/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $30,432/yr |
| Average net price | $18,059/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $72,236 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,945 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $45,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $223 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 68.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 21,217 |
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 | $12,544 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,942 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,154 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,169 |
| $110,001+ | $22,544 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Kansas with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $55,329 | C |
| Finance and Financial Management | $86,453 | B |
| Journalism | $62,394 | C+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $62,876 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $78,601 | B+ |
| Marketing | $70,404 | C+ |
| Business Administration and Management | $68,572 | C+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $92,008 | B |
| International Relations | $61,839 | C |
| Accounting | $84,736 | 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 University of Kansas is $12,102/year ($30,432/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 $18,059/year, or roughly $72,236 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,544/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,544/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $223 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $61,945 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.47 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 72.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 77.1% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 72.4% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 77.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 93.5% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 530-650 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 540-650 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 20-28 |
| Enrollment | 21,217 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 20.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,338 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas (this school) | 76 | $18,059 | $61,945 |
| California State University-Fresno | 81 | $7,000 | $61,244 |
| California State University-Los Angeles | 80 | $3,967 | $59,211 |
| California State University-San Bernardino | 78 | $4,564 | $59,977 |
| Fort Hays State University | 52 | $12,569 | $48,928 |
| Emporia State University | 44 | $16,261 | $47,601 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Kansas delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $18,059 per year ($72,236 over four years), graduates earn a median of $61,945 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 7.9 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 68.8% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $21,000 against $61,945 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.