Kansas State University: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
Manhattan, Kansas · Public · Open access · CDS 2025-2026
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Kansas State University is a public university in Manhattan, Kansas that admits about 88% of applicants, making it a open access school. The average family pays about $19,406 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Animal Sciences, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods and Mechanical Engineering, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. About 71% of students graduate within six years. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 2.2 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
Kansas State University is a public institution located in Manhattan, Kansas. For the most recent reporting cycle, Kansas State University admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 88%. Admitted students typically post a median SAT around 1140. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $19,406 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for Kansas State University?
52% of enrolled students at Kansas State University had a high school GPA of 3.75 or above, and the average was 3.86, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.
What does Kansas State University weight in admissions?
Kansas State University reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2025-2026). What the weights mean
- • Academic GPA
- • Standardized test scores
SAT and ACT scores Kansas State University typically admits
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 510–620, with an EBRW midpoint near —. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 20–27. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.
| 25th percentile | 1040 |
| 50th percentile | 1140 |
| 75th percentile | 1260 |
| % submitting SAT | 7% |
| 25th percentile | 20 |
| 50th percentile | 24 |
| 75th percentile | 27 |
| % submitting ACT | 80% |
- • Test-optional: Standardized test scores are not required, but may be submitted and considered.
- • Policy detail: Considered if submitted
Where admitted students ranked in their high school class
Class rank distribution gives parents a clear sense of how academically dominant a typical admitted student was within their own high school cohort — often a more meaningful signal than absolute GPA.
| Top 10% of class | 29% |
| Top 25% of class | 56% |
| Top 50% of class | 84% |
| % submitting class rank | 64% |
How much does Kansas State University actually cost?
Published tuition is $11,221 for in-state students and $28,568 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $12,830 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $19,406 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 21% of students receive Pell Grants.
| In-state tuition | $10,601 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $28,555 |
| Room and board | $11,520 |
| Average net price (after aid) | $19,406 |
| Application fee | $40 (waivers available) |
Application deadlines and early decision data for Kansas State University
| Reply deadline | No set date |
| Rolling admissions | Yes |
Will my child graduate from Kansas State University?
These predict outcomes at Kansas State University better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates
Most popular majors at Kansas State University
The most popular undergraduate programs at Kansas State University, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Animal Sciences, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods and Mechanical Engineering. Across all programs, Kansas State University confers roughly 1,432 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Animal Sciences program report a median income of about $51,573 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Sciences | 238 | $51,573 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 224 | $46,577 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 182 | $89,754 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 178 | $67,390 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 178 | $73,166 |
| Nutrition Sciences | 163 | — |
| Marketing | 141 | $72,115 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | 128 | — |
Is Kansas State University safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), Kansas State University disclosed 33 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 2.2 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 0 violent offenses and 22 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
What is campus life like at Kansas State University?
About 28% of undergraduates at Kansas State University live in campus housing, so a meaningful share of students commute or live off campus. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.
Other colleges in Kansas parents ask about
Colleges that admit at a similar rate
Next steps for Kansas State University
Common questions parents ask about Kansas State University
What GPA do I need for Kansas State University?
52% of enrolled students at Kansas State University had a high school GPA of 3.75 or above, and the average was 3.86, according to its 2025-2026 Common Data Set.
What SAT or ACT score does Kansas State University typically admit?
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 510–620, with an EBRW midpoint near —. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 20–27.
How much does Kansas State University actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Kansas State University after grants and scholarships is $19,406 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $11,221 and $28,568 out of state. Budget against the net figure.
Is Kansas State University realistic for my child?
Kansas State University admits 88% of applicants, so 510–620 SAT Math is target range and below 510 is a reach. Then check the $19,406 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at Kansas State University?
Kansas State University accepts about 88% of applicants out of roughly 15,591 who apply each year. It admits the majority of qualified applicants.
Is Kansas State University test-optional?
Yes. Kansas State University is test-optional, so SAT and ACT scores are not required, but strong scores can still be submitted and will be considered.
What is the graduation rate at Kansas State University?
About 71% of students at Kansas State University graduate within six years. 86% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Graduation rate predicts real outcomes better than acceptance rate.
What does Kansas State University look for in applicants?
Kansas State University rates GPA as "very important" in its Common Data Set. These are the factors the admissions committee weighs most heavily when reviewing an application.
Is Kansas State University a public or private school, and where is it located?
Kansas State University is a public institution located in Manhattan, Kansas.
What are the most popular majors at Kansas State University?
The largest undergraduate majors at Kansas State University by annual graduates are Animal Sciences, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods and Mechanical Engineering. The school awards about 1,432 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is Kansas State University safe? What is its campus crime rate?
Kansas State University reported 33 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 2.2 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
What is campus life like at Kansas State University?
At Kansas State University, 28% of undergraduates live on campus, according to its most recent Common Data Set.
Sources: the 2025-2026 Common Data Set submitted by Kansas State University, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers