Academic Comparison between ISU and K-State

Iowa State University and Kansas State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. ISU is located in Ames, IA and K-State is located in Manhattan, 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.
  • ISU has more expensive tuition & fees ($28,881) than K-State ($28,568).
  • It is harder to admit to K-State than ISU.
  • ISU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,250) than K-State (1,170).
  • ISU has higher submitted ACT score (24) than K-State (23).
  • ISU has more students with 30,380 students while K-State has 20,295 students.
  • ISU has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while K-State's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • ISU has more full-time faculties with 1,432 faculties while K-State has 905 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Iowa State Universityvs.Kansas State University
Ames, IowaLocationManhattan, 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$10,787
Out-Of-State$28,881
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,221
Out-Of-State$28,568
73%% Receiving Financial Aid78%
$10,270Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,399
88.66 %Acceptance Rates81.69 %
28.84 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)27.48 %
1,250SAT Score1,170
24ACT Score23
75 %Graduation Rate71 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate17 %
88 %Retention Rate86 %
30,380Student Population20,295
1,432Number of Faculties905
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 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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