Academic Comparison between KU and Friends

University of Kansas and Friends University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. KU is a four-year, public school located in Lawrence, KS and Friends is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Wichita, 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.

  • KU is a public and Friends is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Friends has more expensive tuition & fees ($34,192) than KU ($30,432).
  • It is harder to admit to Friends than KU.
  • KU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,190) than Friends (1,020).
  • KU has higher submitted ACT score (24) than Friends (21).
  • KU has more students with 29,792 students while Friends has 1,961 students.
  • Friends has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while KU's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • KU has more full-time faculties with 2,643 faculties while Friends has 59 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Kansasvs.Friends University
Lawrence, KansasLocationWichita, Kansas
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$12,102
Out-Of-State$30,432
2025 Tuition & Fees$34,192
76%% Receiving Financial Aid66%
$11,245Average Amount of Financial Aid$20,775
93.48 %Acceptance Rates55.22 %
25.46 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)44.70 %
1,190SAT Score1,020
24ACT Score21
69 %Graduation Rate43 %
21 %Transfer-out Rate33 %
86 %Retention Rate65 %
29,792Student Population1,961
2,643Number of Faculties59
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), 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