Choosing the right college is a critical decision in a student’s life. This comparison between Kansas State University (K-State) and Missouri State University-Springfield (MSU) aims to provide insights into various aspects of these institutions, such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, campus life, and more. The detailed analysis will help prospective students make an informed decision about which school best suits their needs and goals.
[K-State] Overview
Kansas State University, or K-State, is a public research university located in Manhattan, Kansas. Established in 1863, K-State offers over 250 majors and programs through its nine colleges. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, community engagement, and sustainability. K-State has a student population of over 21,000, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
[K-State] Costs & Tuition
The estimated annual tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students at K-State are $10,440, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $26,316. These figures do not include room and board, which averages around $9,000 per year. The university offers financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to help students cover expenses.
[K-State] Admissions
K-State has a moderately selective admission process with an acceptance rate of approximately 93%. The university requires applicants to submit their high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. The average ACT score of admitted students is 23-29, and the average SAT score is 1090-1310. K-State also considers factors such as high school class rank, extracurricular activities, and leadership qualities in its admission decisions.
[K-State] Degrees Offered
Kansas State University offers a wide range of degrees through its nine colleges, including Agriculture, Architecture, Planning & Design, Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health & Human Sciences, Technology & Aviation, and Veterinary Medicine. K-State also provides numerous online and distance education options for students who need flexibility in their schedules.
[K-State] Academics
Academically, K-State is known for its strong emphasis on research, innovative teaching methods, and collaborative learning environment. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their professors. Moreover, K-State offers a variety of academic services, including tutoring, writing assistance, and academic advising, to help students succeed in their studies.
[K-State] Diversity
K-State is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The university has various programs and initiatives, such as the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Student Affairs, which aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. The student population at K-State is composed of approximately 76% Caucasian, 7% Hispanic/Latino, 4% Black/African American, 3% Asian, and 2% Native American/Pacific Islander.
[K-State] Students
Students at Kansas State University enjoy a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for engagement and personal growth. There are over 475 student clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests, including academics, arts, community service, cultural groups, and recreational sports. Additionally, K-State offers various events, activities, and programs that help students build connections, develop leadership skills, and enhance their overall college experience.
[K-State] Campus
K-State’s picturesque campus spans over 2,360 acres and features a mix of modern and historic architecture. The university has state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and recreational centers. Students also have access to various on-campus resources, such as dining services, health services, and public transportation, that cater to their needs and contribute to a comfortable living environment.
[K-State] Alumni
Kansas State University boasts a strong alumni network of over 200,000 former students. K-State graduates have gone on to achieve success in various fields, such as business, education, research, and public service. Notable alumni include Earl Woods, father of golfer Tiger Woods, and Kirstie Alley, an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress.
[K-State] Rankings
K-State consistently ranks among the top public universities in the US. According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report, K-State ranks #170 in National Universities and #91 in Top Public Schools. Moreover, several of its programs, such as engineering, business, and veterinary medicine, have also received national recognition for their quality and innovation.
[K-State] Outcomes
Students at Kansas State University can expect a positive return on their educational investment. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the median salary of K-State graduates after ten years is $48,200. The university has a strong focus on career development, offering resources such as career counseling, internship placement, and job search assistance to help students transition into the workforce successfully.
[Missouri State University-Springfield] Overview
Missouri State University-Springfield (MSU) is a public university established in 1905 in Springfield, Missouri. The university offers over 150 undergraduate majors and 45 graduate programs through its seven academic colleges. MSU is committed to providing a well-rounded education that emphasizes public affairs, community engagement, and academic excellence. The university enrolls more than 26,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and online learners.
[Missouri State University-Springfield] Costs & Tuition
Annual tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students at MSU are approximately $7,306, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $15,851. Room and board expenses are estimated to be around $9,000 per year. To help students cover these costs, MSU offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
[Missouri State University-Springfield] Admissions
Missouri State University-Springfield has a selective admission process, with an acceptance rate of around 85%. Prospective students are required to submit their high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. The average ACT score for admitted students is 21-26, and the average SAT score is 1040-1260. MSU also considers factors such as leadership qualities, extracurricular activities, and high school class rank in its admission decisions.
[Missouri State University-Springfield] Degrees Offered
MSU offers a wide variety of degrees through its seven academic colleges, including Agriculture, Business, Education, Health & Human Services, Humanities & Public Affairs, Natural & Applied Sciences, and Fine Arts. The university also provides numerous online and distance education options for students who require flexibility in their schedules.
[Missouri State University-Springfield] Academics
Academically, MSU is known for its commitment to academic excellence, experiential learning, and engaged scholarship. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 21:1, ensuring personalized attention from professors. MSU offers various academic resources, such as tutoring, writing services, and academic advising, to help students excel in their studies.
[Missouri State University-Springfield] Diversity
MSU is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The university has several programs and initiatives, including the Division for Diversity and Inclusion, to create a welcoming environment for all students. The student population at MSU comprises roughly 76% Caucasian, 8% Black/African American, 4% Hispanic/Latino, 2% Asian, and 1% Native American/Pacific Islander.
[Missouri State University-Springfield] Students
Students at Missouri State University-Springfield enjoy an active campus life, with over 400 student organizations catering to a diverse range of interests. These clubs and groups offer opportunities for students to participate in academics, arts, community service, cultural experiences, and recreational sports. MSU also hosts various events, activities, and programs that help students develop leadership skills and build connections.
[Missouri State University-Springfield] Campus
MSU’s beautiful campus is spread across 225 acres and features a mix of modern and historic architecture. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and recreational centers. On-campus resources, such as dining services, health services, and public transportation, ensure a comfortable living environment for students.
[Missouri State University-Springfield] Alumni
Missouri State University boasts a strong alumni network of over 120,000 graduates. MSU alumni have gone on to achieve success in various fields, including business, education, research, and public service. Notable alumni include John Goodman, an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor, and Brad Pitt, an Academy Award-winning actor and producer.
[Missouri State University-Springfield] Rankings
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report, MSU ranks #298-#389 in National Universities and #154-#209 in Top Public Schools. The university’s programs in business, education, and health sciences have also received recognition for their quality and innovation.
[Missouri State University-Springfield] Outcome
Students at Missouri State University-Springfield can expect a promising return on their educational investment. The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard indicates that the median salary of MSU graduates after ten years is $40,500. The university offers various career development resources, including career counseling, internship placement, and job search assistance, to help students successfully transition into the workforce.
[K-State] vs [Missouri State University-Springfield] Cost Comparision
The cost of attendance is a significant factor for many students when selecting a university. In-state undergraduate students at K-State can expect to pay around $10,440 per year in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $26,316. By comparison, in-state students at MSU will pay approximately $7,306 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay around $15,851. Both universities offer financial aid options to help students cover these expenses. In terms of cost, Missouri State University-Springfield is more affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students compared to K-State.
[K-State] vs [Missouri State University-Springfield] Admissions Difficulty
Considering the acceptance rates of the two universities, K-State has a slightly higher acceptance rate of approximately 93%, while MSU has an acceptance rate of around 85%. Both institutions require applicants to submit their high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. K-State and MSU have comparable average ACT and SAT score ranges for admitted students. Although both universities have selective admission processes, K-State appears to be less competitive in terms of admissions compared to Missouri State University-Springfield.
[K-State] vs [Missouri State University-Springfield] Academic Difficulty
Both K-State and MSU are known for their commitment to academic excellence and offer a variety of degree programs through their respective academic colleges. K-State has a slightly better student-faculty ratio of 18:1, compared to MSU’s 21:1, indicating that students at K-State may receive more personalized attention from their professors. However, both universities provide various academic resources and support services to help students succeed in their studies. The academic difficulty between the two institutions may be relatively similar, with slight advantages for K-State in terms of student-faculty ratio and national rankings.
[K-State] vs [Missouri State University-Springfield] Outcome Comparision
When comparing the outcomes of K-State and MSU graduates, K-State students tend to have a higher median salary after ten years, at $48,200, compared to MSU graduates’ median salary of $40,500. Both universities offer resources for career development and job placement assistance to help students transition into the workforce successfully. While individual outcomes may vary, K-State graduates, on average, seem to have a slightly better financial return on their educational investment compared to Missouri State University-Springfield graduates.
