Academic Comparison between ISU and KU

Iowa State University and University of Kansas are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. ISU is located in Ames, IA and KU is located in Lawrence, KS.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • KU has more expensive tuition & fees ($29,412) than ISU ($27,683).
  • It is harder to admit to KU than ISU.
  • ISU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,240) than KU (1,160).
  • Both ISU and KU have the same submitted ACT scores (24).
  • ISU has more students with 29,969 students while KU has 26,708 students.
  • KU has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while ISU's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • KU has more full-time faculties with 2,383 faculties while ISU has 1,519 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Iowa State Universityvs.University of Kansas
Ames, IowaLocationLawrence, Kansas
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$10,497
Out-Of-State$27,683
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,700
Out-Of-State$29,412
79%% Receiving Financial Aid75%
$9,461Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,373
89.00 %Acceptance Rates88.00 %
29.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)31.00 %
1,240SAT Score1,160
24ACT Score24
74 %Graduation Rate67 %
18 %Transfer-out Rate23 %
86 %Retention Rate85 %
29,969Student Population26,708
1,519Number of Faculties2,383
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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