University of Kansas vs MidAmerica Nazarene 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 8.8 years at MidAmerica Nazarene University, on median earnings of $61,945 vs $62,972 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Kansas | MidAmerica Nazarene University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,059 | $32,165 |
| Total net cost | $72,236 | $128,660 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,945 | $62,972 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $15,000 |
| Payback | 5.3 yrs | 8.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $199,464 | $163,580 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Kansas or MidAmerica Nazarene University?
University of Kansas, at $18,059 a year after aid versus $32,165 — a gap of $14,106 a year, or $56,424 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 MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates earn more?
MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates report a median $62,972 ten years after entry, $1,027 more than the $61,945 at University of Kansas. 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 MidAmerica Nazarene University?
MidAmerica Nazarene University: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $21,000 at University of Kansas, a difference of $6,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
69% of students finish at University of Kansas, 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.