Academic Comparison between KU and ISU

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

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 (1,160) than KU (1,160).
  • Both KU and ISU 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

University of Kansasvs.Iowa State University
Lawrence, KansasLocationAmes, Iowa
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$11,700
Out-Of-State$29,412
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$10,497
Out-Of-State$27,683
75%% Receiving Financial Aid79%
$10,373Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,461
88.00 %Acceptance Rates89.00 %
31.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)29.00 %
1,160SAT Score1,240
24ACT Score24
67 %Graduation Rate74 %
23 %Transfer-out Rate18 %
85 %Retention Rate86 %
26,708Student Population29,969
2,383Number of Faculties1,519
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 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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