About University of Kansas
Basketball was invented here in 1891, and the University of Kansas still treats the sport like religion. The 19,857 students on this Lawrence campus know they're at a public research university where Jayhawk pride runs deep. Actor Paul Rudd and NFL Hall of Famer Gale Sayers walked these halls before making their mark. The journalism school has earned national recognition, while the basketball program consistently ranks among the country's top.
Most students pay far less than the sticker price suggests. The average net price sits at $17,365, making this education surprisingly affordable for a major research university. Graduates typically earn $61,945 ten years after leaving campus, while carrying a manageable $21,000 in median debt. Monthly loan payments average just $223, meaning most graduates can handle the financial burden without stress.
The Big 12 Conference athletics program fields 14 varsity sports with 512 total athletes competing at the Division I level. Students come from across the region, with 58% calling Kansas home and 42% traveling from other states. The 85% retention rate suggests most freshmen find their place in Lawrence's college town atmosphere. Campus housing accommodates 6,208 students who want the full university experience.
Most students pay far less than the sticker price suggests. The average net price sits at $17,365, making this education surprisingly affordable for a major research university. Graduates typically earn $61,945 ten years after leaving campus, while carrying a manageable $21,000 in median debt. Monthly loan payments average just $223, meaning most graduates can handle the financial burden without stress.
The Big 12 Conference athletics program fields 14 varsity sports with 512 total athletes competing at the Division I level. Students come from across the region, with 58% calling Kansas home and 42% traveling from other states. The 85% retention rate suggests most freshmen find their place in Lawrence's college town atmosphere. Campus housing accommodates 6,208 students who want the full university experience.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Kansas operates as a major public research university with nearly 20,000 students spread across a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The school built its academic reputation on its world-well-known William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, consistently ranked among the top journalism programs nationally. KU's research focus means undergraduates can access faculty conducting modern work across disciplines. The university graduates 68% of students within six years, reflecting solid academic support despite the larger class sizes typical of research institutions. Strong programs in business, engineering, and medicine complement the flagship journalism school. Students benefit from Big 12 Conference resources while accessing research opportunities typically reserved for graduate students.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 78.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.8%
- Retention Rate
- 85.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,945
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $170,720 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $119,061 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $106,421 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,299 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,625 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,001 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $64,990 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,666 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
Campus Life
Campus life revolves around Mount Oread, the hill where KU sits overlooking Lawrence, a college town about 40 miles west of Kansas City. With housing capacity for 6,208 students and total enrollment of 19,857, roughly a third of students live on campus in dorms that fill up quickly each fall. Lawrence transforms into a sea of crimson and blue on game days, especially when the Jayhawks play basketball at Allen Fieldhouse.
Kansas weather demands both winter coats and sunscreen - you'll face humid summers reaching the 90s and snowy winters dipping below freezing. Students spend weekends on Massachusetts Street, the main drag lined with shops, restaurants, and music venues that keep the town buzzing year-round. The 57.93% in-state student body creates a tight-knit Midwestern community feel. Basketball season turns the entire campus electric, with students camping out for tickets and the Rock Chalk Chant echoing across the limestone buildings. Lawrence offers that classic college town experience where students and locals blend seamlessly.
Kansas weather demands both winter coats and sunscreen - you'll face humid summers reaching the 90s and snowy winters dipping below freezing. Students spend weekends on Massachusetts Street, the main drag lined with shops, restaurants, and music venues that keep the town buzzing year-round. The 57.93% in-state student body creates a tight-knit Midwestern community feel. Basketball season turns the entire campus electric, with students camping out for tickets and the Rock Chalk Chant echoing across the limestone buildings. Lawrence offers that classic college town experience where students and locals blend seamlessly.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 6,208 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1864
Campus Safety (2023)
249 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 49 | 0 | 8 | 2 |
| Stalking | 37 | 20 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 20 | 12 | 3 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 22 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Burglary | 11 | 2 | 10 | 0 |
| Rape | 8 | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Fondling | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–38°F
- July Avg
- 68°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 13.4"
Student Demographics
The University of Kansas draws a mix that reflects its dual identity as both a flagship state university and a nationally recognized basketball powerhouse. With 58% of students coming from Kansas, the school maintains strong ties to its home state while attracting out-of-state students drawn by its well-known journalism program and Jayhawk basketball tradition. The student body skews slightly female at 53%, typical for a full research university with strong liberal arts offerings. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class Kansas families seeking quality education at an accessible price point.
- Men
- 46.5%
- Women
- 53.5%
- White
- 69.1%
- Black
- 4.3%
- Hispanic
- 10.3%
- Asian
- 6.2%
- In-State Students
- 57.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.5%
Location
The University of Kansas sits in Lawrence, a classic college town about 40 miles west of Kansas City. With nearly 20,000 students, KU dominates this city of roughly 95,000 residents. Lawrence pulses with the energy of a quintessential college community where Massachusetts Street buzzes with student-friendly shops, music venues, and restaurants. The town earned its stripes as a Free State stronghold before the Civil War and maintains that independent spirit today. Rolling hills and prairie landscapes surround the campus, offering a distinctly Midwestern college experience. The university's presence shapes everything from local business hours to game day traditions that fill the streets with crimson and blue. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare University of Kansas with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Lawrence, Kansas 66045
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,945
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,141
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 65.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Kansas?
University of Kansas accepts 87.84% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1215. The school welcomes a broad range of students while maintaining academic standards for its research university mission.
How much does University of Kansas cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of Kansas is $17,365, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,908. Graduates typically leave with $21,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $223.
What is University of Kansas known for academically?
University of Kansas operates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its research programs. The school has built a strong reputation for journalism education and serves as the birthplace of basketball, reflecting its commitment to both academics and athletics.
What are the career outcomes for University of Kansas graduates?
University of Kansas graduates earn a median salary of $61,945 ten years after graduation with a 96.1% employment rate. The school's 68.80% six-year graduation rate reflects steady progress for students in this public research environment.
Where is University of Kansas located and what is campus life like?
University of Kansas sits in Lawrence, Kansas, a small city setting with 19,857 students and housing for 6,208 on campus. The Jayhawks compete in 14 Division I sports in the Big 12 Conference, creating a active athletic culture.
How successful is the University of Kansas basketball program?
University of Kansas awards $13,912,569 in athletic scholarships across 512 student-athletes in 14 varsity sports. The basketball program has achieved legendary status as both the birthplace of the sport and a perennial powerhouse in the Big 12 Conference.
