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Kansas State University vs MidAmerica Nazarene University: which has better ROI?

Public, Manhattan KS · vs · Private nonprofit, Olathe KS

The verdict

Kansas State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $77,624 in 8.7 years versus 8.8 years at MidAmerica Nazarene University, on median earnings of $57,262 vs $62,972 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureKansas State UniversityMidAmerica Nazarene University
Net price / yr$19,406$32,165
Total net cost$77,624$128,660
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,262$62,972
Median debt$21,250$15,000
Payback8.7 yrs8.8 yrs
20-year net return$100,416$163,580

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Kansas State University or MidAmerica Nazarene University?

Kansas State University, at $19,406 a year after aid versus $32,165 — a gap of $12,759 a year, or $51,036 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Kansas State University or MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates earn more?

MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates report a median $62,972 ten years after entry, $5,710 more than the $57,262 at Kansas State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Kansas State University or MidAmerica Nazarene University?

MidAmerica Nazarene University: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $21,250 at Kansas State University, a difference of $6,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Kansas State University, against 54% at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Kansas State University vs MidAmerica Nazarene University: frequently asked questions

Is Kansas State University or MidAmerica Nazarene University a better value?
Kansas State University. It clears its $77,624 net cost in about 8.7 years versus 8.8 years at MidAmerica Nazarene University, on median earnings of $57,262 vs $62,972 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Kansas State University or MidAmerica Nazarene University?
Kansas State University: $19,406/yr net price after aid versus $32,165/yr at MidAmerica Nazarene University — a difference of $12,759 a year, or about $51,036 over four years.
Do Kansas State University or MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates earn more?
MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates earn a median $62,972 ten years after entry, versus $57,262 at Kansas State University — a $5,710 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.