Kansas State University
K-State
Manhattan, Kansas 66506
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Kansas State University is a public institution in Manhattan with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1149, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 14.8K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
70% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $57,262 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $17,883.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Wildcats
History & Fun Facts
- •The school was the first land-grant college created under the Morrill Act.
- •The effort to establish the school began in 1861, the year that Kansas was admitted to the United States.
- •In 1862, another bill to make Manhattan the site of the state university failed by one vote.
- •Capitol When the college opened for its first session on September 2, 1863, it became only the second public institution of higher learning to admit women and men equally in the United States.
- •Enrollment for the first session totaled 52 students: 26 men and 26 women.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1149
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
63.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$17,294
Programs (303)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
87%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
114
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from KS state average + city premium