University of Kansas vs Kansas State University: which has better ROI?
University of Kansas has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $72,236 in 5.3 years versus 8.7 years at Kansas State University, on median earnings of $61,945 vs $57,262 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Kansas | Kansas State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,059 | $19,406 |
| Total net cost | $72,236 | $77,624 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,945 | $57,262 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $21,250 |
| Payback | 5.3 yrs | 8.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $199,464 | $100,416 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Kansas or Kansas State University?
University of Kansas, at $18,059 a year after aid versus $19,406 — a gap of $1,347 a year, or $5,388 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Kansas or Kansas State University graduates earn more?
University of Kansas graduates report a median $61,945 ten years after entry, $4,683 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, University of Kansas or Kansas State University?
University of Kansas: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $21,250 at Kansas State University, a difference of $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 69% at University of Kansas. 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.