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 ($30,432) than ISU ($28,881).
  • It is harder to admit to ISU than KU.
  • ISU has a higher submitted SAT score (1,190) than KU (1,190).
  • Both KU and ISU have the same submitted ACT scores (24).
  • ISU has more students with 30,380 students while KU has 29,792 students.
  • KU has more full-time faculties with 2,643 faculties while ISU has 1,432 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$12,102
Out-Of-State$30,432
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$10,787
Out-Of-State$28,881
76%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$11,245Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,270
93.48 %Acceptance Rates88.66 %
25.46 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.84 %
1,190SAT Score1,250
24ACT Score24
69 %Graduation Rate75 %
21 %Transfer-out Rate19 %
86 %Retention Rate88 %
29,792Student Population30,380
2,643Number of Faculties1,432
18 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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