At $17,883/yr net price, Kansas State University graduates earn $57,262/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,262/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,883 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,532 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,262/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,262/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,742/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,964/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,458/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,880/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,843/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Master | $82,440 | |
| Food Science and Technology. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,734 | $21,000 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $71,015 | $208,940 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,456 | $24,000 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,456 | $24,399 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $68,219 | $23,050 |
| Architectural Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,557 | $26,726 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,131 | $22,116 |
The Risk Factor
70.5% of students at Kansas State University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Kansas State University delivers solid financial returns for a public university, with graduates earning a median $57,262 ten years after graduation against a manageable net price of $17,883 annually. Your debt load stays reasonable at $21,250, making the investment math work for most students.
Agricultural Business stands out as the financial winner, producing graduates who earn $82,440 annually. This makes sense given Kansas State's agricultural reputation and Kansas's strong agribusiness sector. Food Science and the engineering programs also deliver strong returns, with electrical engineering graduates earning over $71,000 with typical debt loads around $21,000.
Veterinary Medicine creates a financial contradiction. While graduates earn $71,015, they carry devastating debt loads averaging $208,940. Unless you plan to specialize in high-paying veterinary fields, this debt burden makes the program financially risky.
Kansas State works best financially if you target its strength areas: agriculture, food science, and engineering. The school's 70% graduation rate means three in ten students never finish, creating total financial loss. Your odds improve significantly if you enter with strong academic preparation.
The low financial aid percentage of 19% suggests Kansas State keeps costs manageable through low tuition rather than generous aid packages. This benefits middle-class families who often get squeezed out of need-based aid elsewhere. Merit scholarships exist but compete heavily given the school's size.
Skip Kansas State if you want prestige that commands premium salaries or if you plan to study fields where the school lacks regional employer connections. The returns work for practical majors but may disappoint if you expect dramatic income jumps from your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas State University worth the cost for most students?
Kansas State University offers decent value with a net price of $17,883 and 10-year median earnings of $57,262. However, the 70% graduation rate means 3 in 10 students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who leave with debt but no degree.
Which Kansas State University programs have the best return on investment?
Agricultural Business ($82,440 median salary), Food Science ($76,460), and Engineering programs like Electrical and Chemical Engineering ($70,000+ range) offer strong earning potential. These programs justify the cost better than most other majors at Kansas State.
How much debt do Kansas State University graduates typically have?
Kansas State graduates have a median debt of $21,250, which is manageable compared to many universities. With starting salaries around $57,262, most graduates in strong programs can handle this debt load.
Does Kansas State University's high acceptance rate hurt its value?
Kansas State's 95% acceptance rate means it's not selective, but this doesn't necessarily hurt value for the right students. The real concern is the 70% graduation rate, suggesting many admitted students struggle to complete their degrees.