Students at Kansas State University achieve earnings that consistently place the institution in the top quartile nationally, with particularly strong outcomes for low-income graduates who reach median earnings of over $50,000.
The university combines this earning power with reasonable costs across income levels, creating reliable value for families seeking quality education without premium pricing.
Kansas State University ranks among the stronger public universities nationwide, delivering above-average outcomes across multiple measures of student success. Located in Manhattan, Kansas, this large public research university combines comprehensive academic offerings with solid financial returns for graduates. The institution serves as a regional flagship with broad program depth, particularly strong in engineering, agriculture, and technical fields that translate directly into career opportunities.
What distinguishes Kansas State is its ability to balance accessibility with quality outcomes. While not as selective as flagship institutions in larger states, KSU consistently delivers earnings that place it in the top quartile nationally, with graduates earning a median of $57,262 ten years after enrollment. The university maintains reasonable net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying around $10,742 annually and middle-income families seeing costs of approximately $14,458.
As a comprehensive research university, Kansas State offers the scale and resources of a major institution while maintaining the community feel of a college town. The university's strength in practical, career-focused programs helps explain why graduates achieve above-average earnings despite the institution's moderate selectivity. For students seeking a well-rounded university experience with strong job market preparation, Kansas State represents a solid public option that delivers measurable value.
Kansas State University's program portfolio reflects its strength as a comprehensive public research university with particular excellence in engineering and technical fields. Mechanical Engineering leads both in scale and financial returns, graduating 216 students annually with strong median earnings of $65,131. This combination of high enrollment and solid outcomes makes it a cornerstone program that drives much of the university's overall economic impact.
Engineering programs consistently deliver the strongest financial outcomes at Kansas State. Electrical and Electronics Engineering produces the highest individual earnings at $71,734, while Mechanical Engineering balances strong pay with substantial enrollment. These technical programs benefit from Kansas State's research infrastructure and strong industry connections throughout the region, creating pathways to well-paying careers in manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors.
The university's largest program by enrollment graduates 225 students annually, though with more moderate earnings outcomes that reflect Kansas State's comprehensive mission. This diversity in program scale and outcomes demonstrates the institution's role in serving multiple career pathways, from high-earning technical specialties to broader professional fields. The range of options allows students to choose programs that align with their interests while still benefiting from Kansas State's overall reputation for career preparation and graduate success.
Kansas State University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed national averages. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $57,262, placing the university in the top quartile nationally for earnings performance. This solid earning power reflects the institution's strength in practical, career-focused programs that align well with employer needs and regional economic opportunities.
The university's program mix drives much of this financial success. Mechanical Engineering stands out as both a high-enrollment and high-return field, graduating 216 students annually with median earnings of $65,131. Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers even stronger individual outcomes at $71,734, while the university's largest program graduates 225 students with more moderate but still competitive earnings. Engineering programs consistently deliver some of Kansas State's highest early salaries, with both Mechanical and Electrical Engineering posting earnings in the mid-$60,000s to low-$70,000s range.
The breadth of Kansas State's program portfolio means outcomes vary significantly by field of study. While engineering and technical programs drive the strongest financial returns, the university also graduates substantial numbers in fields with more moderate earning potential. This diversity reflects Kansas State's role as a comprehensive public university serving multiple career pathways, from high-earning technical fields to service-oriented professions that provide different but valuable career trajectories.
Kansas State University maintains strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay approximately $10,742 annually in net price, while middle-income families see costs around $14,458 per year. Even high-income families face reasonable expenses at $21,843, creating predictable pricing that helps families plan effectively for a four-year degree.
The university's debt structure supports long-term financial sustainability for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $21,250 in federal loan debt, a manageable level given the institution's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $21,930, reflecting moderate family contribution levels that don't create excessive burden for most households. With graduates earning a median of $57,262 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment terms comfortably while building their careers.
Kansas State's combination of reasonable upfront costs and solid earning potential creates favorable long-term value for most students. The university's location in Manhattan, Kansas, helps keep both educational costs and living expenses at manageable levels, while graduates often move into regional job markets where their earnings provide strong purchasing power. This balance between affordable education and career preparation makes Kansas State particularly attractive for cost-conscious families seeking reliable return on investment.
Kansas State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
