About Kansas State University
Students pay an average net price of $17,883 after financial aid, making K-State accessible for most Kansas families. Graduates earn a median of $57,262 ten years after leaving school, while typical debt loads reach $21,250. The investment pays off with a 97% employment rate and monthly loan payments of just $225. In-state students get an especially good deal with tuition at $10,942.
The Wildcats compete in the Big 12 Conference with 452 student-athletes across 12 sports. Kansas State accepts 95% of applicants, though the 70% six-year graduation rate shows that getting in is easier than finishing. About 77% of students come from Kansas, creating a tight-knit community where 87% of freshmen return for sophomore year. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students personally.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 90.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.5%
- Retention Rate
- 87.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,262
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Master | $82,440 |
| Food Science and Technology. | Master | $76,460 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,734 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $71,015 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,456 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,456 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $68,219 |
| Architectural Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,557 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,131 |
Campus Life
Winters require heavy coats as Kansas temperatures can drop below freezing, while summers bring heat that makes air conditioning essential. Students gather at Aggieville, the entertainment district adjacent to campus known for its bars and restaurants. Football Saturdays transform the town when Wildcats fans pack Bill Snyder Family Stadium for Big 12 games. The famous "Wabash Cannonball" victory tradition involves students rushing the field after home wins. Students also embrace the agricultural heritage through events like Little American Royal livestock show. With 77% of students from Kansas, the campus maintains strong Midwest values while the semester system allows for internships at nearby agricultural businesses and research facilities.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 5,696 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1863
Campus Safety (2023)
80 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Burglary | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–40°F
- July Avg
- 68°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- -761.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 49.3%
- Women
- 50.7%
- White
- 79.5%
- Black
- 2.7%
- Hispanic
- 9.1%
- Asian
- 1.9%
- In-State Students
- 77.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.3%
Location
- Address
- Manhattan, Kansas 66506
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,262
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,867
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $225/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Kansas State University?
Kansas State University accepts 95.14% of applicants, making it highly accessible for students seeking admission. The university maintains this open-door policy while still offering strong programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and engineering that have built its reputation since 1863.
How much does Kansas State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Kansas State University is $17,883 annually, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,742. Graduates leave with a median debt of $21,250, which translates to monthly loan payments of $225.
What is Kansas State University known for academically?
Kansas State University has built its reputation on exceptional agricultural programs, veterinary medicine, and engineering education. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1 across its 14,835 enrolled students, the university maintains its focus on practical, hands-on learning in these signature fields.
What are the career outcomes for Kansas State University graduates?
Kansas State University graduates earn a median salary of $57,262 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97.0% employment rate. The university achieves a 70.50% six-year graduation rate, reflecting its commitment to helping students complete their degrees in fields like agriculture and engineering.
Where is Kansas State University located and what is campus life like?
Kansas State University sits in Manhattan, Kansas, a small city setting that houses 5,696 students in on-campus facilities. The Wildcats compete in 12 varsity sports in the Big 12 Conference with 452 total athletes, creating a strong athletic culture that unites the campus community.
Does Kansas State University have a strong agricultural legacy?
Kansas State University has maintained its agricultural excellence since its founding in 1863, with its motto "Rule by Obeying Nature's Laws" reflecting this heritage. The university's location in rural Kansas and its continued emphasis on agricultural programs make it a leader in farm and ranch management education, serving a student body that is 77.39% in-state residents.
