At $17,365/yr net price, University of Kansas graduates earn $61,945/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,945/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,365 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,460 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,945/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,945/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,908/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,702/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,097/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,649/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,310/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $170,720 | $72,370 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $119,061 | $71,000 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $106,421 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,299 | $32,322 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $72,625 | $61,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $21,250 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,001 | $20,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $64,990 | $25,811 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,666 | $20,500 |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
The Risk Factor
68.8% of students at University of Kansas graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Kansas delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right majors, but your program choice makes all the difference. The $17,365 annual net price is reasonable for a flagship state university, and the median debt load of $21,000 keeps most graduates from drowning in payments after graduation.
Nursing and pharmacy programs generate strong returns despite higher debt burdens. Nursing graduates earn $170,720 annually even with $72,370 in debt, while pharmacy graduates make $119,061 with $71,000 borrowed. Engineering fields also pay off well at over $106,000 annually. Business administration offers decent returns at $73,299, though the debt-to-income ratio is less favorable than engineering.
The financial risk lies in choosing lower-paying majors at KU. With only 68.8% of students graduating, you face a real chance of accumulating debt without completing your degree. The 85.13% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially in their first year.
KU works best financially for Kansas residents pursuing high-demand professional programs like nursing, pharmacy, or engineering. Out-of-state students should carefully evaluate whether the premium cost justifies attending over their home state options. Students interested in liberal arts or social sciences may find better value elsewhere unless they plan graduate school.
Only 19.53% of students receive need-based aid, indicating KU's financial aid office focuses more on merit scholarships. Strong high school performers can often secure significant merit money, making the total cost even more attractive for top students choosing lucrative majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Kansas worth the cost?
University of Kansas offers decent value with a net price of $17,365 and 10-year earnings of $61,945, though the 68.8% graduation rate means about 1 in 3 students don't finish. The ROI depends heavily on your major, with nursing and pharmacy graduates earning significantly more than the average.
What are the best paying majors at University of Kansas?
Nursing leads with median earnings of $170,720, followed by pharmacy at $119,061 and engineering-related fields at $106,421. Business and rehabilitation programs pay much less at around $73,000, making major choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do University of Kansas graduates have?
The median debt is $21,000, which is manageable compared to many universities. However, this only reflects graduates who complete their degree, not the 31% who leave without finishing and may still carry debt.
Should I go to University of Kansas for business?
Business graduates earn a median of $73,299 after 10 years, which provides a reasonable return given the school's net price. However, this is well below what nursing, pharmacy, or engineering graduates earn at the same institution.