ISU vs University of Kansas Introduction
Choosing the right college is a significant decision that can impact your future career and overall life experiences. This comparison between Iowa State University (ISU) and the University of Kansas (KU) will provide essential information on costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and outcomes to help you make an informed choice between these two respected institutions.
ISU Overview
Iowa State University, located in Ames, Iowa, is a public institution founded in 1858. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. ISU is known for its beautiful campus, friendly atmosphere, and strong research programs.
ISU Costs & Tuition
ISU’s tuition for in-state students is $9,320, while out-of-state students face tuition costs of $24,508. However, these figures do not include additional expenses such as housing, meals, and other fees. The average cost of attendance for an in-state student is around $19,667, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $34,855 per year.
ISU Admissions
The acceptance rate at ISU is 91%, making it a somewhat selective institution. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 22 and 28 on the ACT, and between 1100 and 1340 on the SAT. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.63.
ISU Degrees Offered
ISU offers a variety of degree programs across its eight colleges, including Agriculture and Life Sciences, Business, Design, Engineering, Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, and Graduate Studies. Some of the most popular majors include engineering, animal science, business, agriculture, and kinesiology.
ISU Academics
ISU is known for its high-quality academic programs and research opportunities. The student-faculty ratio is 19:1, which allows for personalized attention and support from faculty members. The university also boasts a 74% four-year graduation rate and a 21:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
ISU Diversity
ISU has a diverse student population, with 22% of students identifying as members of racial or ethnic minority groups. In addition, 10% of the student body are international students, representing over 110 different countries.
ISU Students
ISU has a total enrollment of over 30,000 students, including approximately 25,000 undergraduate students and 5,000 graduate students. The university offers a variety of clubs, organizations, and recreational activities to promote a well-rounded college experience.
ISU Campus
The ISU campus is known for its picturesque beauty, featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture. The 1,813-acre campus provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and houses state-of-the-art facilities for academics, research, and athletics.
ISU Alumni
ISU alumni have made significant contributions in various fields, including science, technology, business, and the arts. Some notable alumni include George Washington Carver, John Vincent Atanasoff, and Carrie Chapman Catt.
ISU Rankings
ISU consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News & World Report, ISU ranks #121 among national universities and #58 among public institutions.
ISU Outcomes
ISU students enjoy strong post-graduation outcomes, with a 95% placement rate within six months of graduation. Additionally, the average starting salary for ISU graduates is around $50,000 per year.
University of Kansas Overview
The University of Kansas, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is a public institution founded in 1865. KU offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, with a particular emphasis on the liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. The university is known for its beautiful campus, vibrant community, and strong athletic programs.
University of Kansas Costs & Tuition
KU’s tuition for in-state students is $11,166, while out-of-state students face tuition costs of $28,034. The average cost of attendance for an in-state student is around $24,014, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $41,054 per year.
University of Kansas Admissions
The acceptance rate at KU is 93%, making it a somewhat selective institution. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 22 and 29 on the ACT, and between 1080 and 1290 on the SAT. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.58.
University of Kansas Degrees Offered
KU offers a wide range of degree programs across its 13 schools, including Liberal Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering, Architecture & Design, Journalism, Music, Social Welfare, Law, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Graduate Studies. Popular majors at KU include business, journalism, engineering, psychology, and education.
University of Kansas Academics
KU has a strong reputation for its academic programs, with a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, allowing for personalized attention from faculty members. The university’s four-year graduation rate is 41%, and it has a 17:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
University of Kansas Diversity
KU has a diverse student population, with 28% of students identifying as members of racial or ethnic minority groups. In addition, 7% of the student body are international students, representing over 100 different countries.
University of Kansas Students
KU has a total enrollment of over 27,000 students, including approximately 19,000 undergraduate students and 8,000 graduate students. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, as well as a thriving Greek life community.
University of Kansas Campus
KU’s campus is spread across 1,000 acres, featuring a beautiful mix of historic and modern architecture. The campus provides a vibrant atmosphere, with numerous events, activities, and recreational opportunities for students to enjoy.
University of Kansas Alumni
KU has a strong alumni network, with notable alumni including basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain, journalist Bob Woodward, and former U.S. Senator Bob Dole.
University of Kansas Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, KU ranks #124 among national universities and #62 among public institutions.
University of Kansas Outcomes
KU boasts a 91% placement rate within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary for graduates of around $48,000 per year.
ISU vs University of Kansas Cost Comparison
While both ISU and KU offer relatively affordable tuition rates compared to many other institutions, ISU offers lower in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. However, the overall cost of attendance for both universities is comparable, with ISU’s in-state cost being slightly lower and KU’s out-of-state cost being slightly higher.
ISU vs University of Kansas Admissions Difficulty
Both ISU and KU have similar acceptance rates, with ISU’s rate being 91% and KU’s being 93%. The average ACT and SAT scores, as well as high school GPAs for admitted students, are also comparable between the two institutions, indicating a similar level of admissions difficulty.
ISU vs University of Kansas Academic Difficulty
Both ISU and KU offer challenging and rigorous academic programs. However, ISU boasts a higher four-year graduation rate (74%) compared to KU (41%), which may suggest a difference in academic difficulty between the two universities. Additionally, ISU has a slightly higher student-to-teacher ratio (21:1) compared to KU (17:1), which could impact the level of support and guidance students receive.
ISU vs University of Kansas Outcome Comparison
Both ISU and KU have strong post-graduation outcomes, with ISU having a 95% placement rate and KU having a 91% placement rate within six months of graduation. However, ISU graduates have a slightly higher average starting salary ($50,000) compared to KU graduates ($48,000).
