Students from low-income backgrounds at the University of Kansas achieve exceptional financial outcomes, earning more than similar students at nearly all other public universities nationwide.
Graduates across all income levels see strong long-term earnings that place KU among the top quarter of public institutions for financial returns.
Azimuth ranks the University of Kansas 76th nationally among public four-year institutions, placing it in the 76th percentile for overall value. As Kansas's flagship research university, KU delivers strong long-term earnings outcomes while maintaining the breadth and resources of a major state institution. With nearly 20% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 22% being first-generation college students, the university provides meaningful access alongside its research mission.
What distinguishes KU is its ability to generate exceptional outcomes for low-income students who do gain admission. Graduates from low-income backgrounds earn a median of $62,800 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the top 10% nationally for low-income student earnings. This performance, combined with solid overall median earnings of $61,945, reflects the university's strength in high-return fields like engineering, business, and professional programs.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, KU demonstrates how a flagship university can balance research excellence with meaningful economic mobility for the students it serves. The combination of strong alumni networks, diverse academic offerings, and consistent financial outcomes makes it a compelling choice for families seeking both educational quality and long-term return on investment.
The University of Kansas offers a diverse program portfolio that creates multiple pathways to strong financial outcomes. Banking and Financial Support Services emerges as the standout program, combining substantial enrollment of 228 graduates with solid median earnings of $51,273, making it the university's highest aggregate return major. This program exemplifies KU's strength in preparing students for careers in finance and business services throughout the Midwest.
Engineering programs deliver the highest individual earnings, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning $69,338 despite the program's smaller scale of 25 graduates. Psychology represents the university's largest program footprint with 252 graduates, though earnings of $28,779 reflect the field's emphasis on graduate school preparation rather than immediate career entry. Creative fields like Cinematography and Film/Video Production show more modest early-career earnings at $25,658, but provide specialized training for students pursuing careers in media and entertainment.
The breadth of KU's program offerings allows students to balance personal interests with financial considerations. Strong performance in business and engineering fields provides clear pathways to high earnings, while larger liberal arts programs offer foundational education that can lead to diverse career outcomes. This combination of specialized professional programs and broad academic offerings reflects KU's mission as a comprehensive research university.
University of Kansas graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $61,945 ten years after enrollment. This places KU in the 77th percentile nationally among public institutions, reflecting the university's ability to prepare students for well-paying careers across multiple fields. The university's strength is particularly evident in its outcomes for low-income students, who earn a median of $62,800 at the ten-year mark—actually slightly higher than the overall median, demonstrating meaningful upward mobility.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Banking and Financial Support Services stands out as KU's highest aggregate return major, combining strong enrollment of 228 graduates with solid median earnings of $51,273. Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $69,338 for its 25 graduates, while Psychology represents the largest program footprint with 252 graduates earning a median of $28,779. The university's diverse program mix allows students to choose between high-earning technical fields and broader liberal arts disciplines based on their interests and career goals.
KU's consistent performance across income levels suggests that the university's academic programs, alumni networks, and career services effectively support students regardless of their background. The combination of flagship-level resources, strong employer relationships throughout the Midwest, and diverse program offerings creates multiple pathways to financial success for graduates.
The University of Kansas offers predictable pricing across income levels, though costs run higher than many regional public universities. Low-income students pay a net price of $10,908 annually, which is reasonable for a flagship institution but represents a meaningful investment for families with limited resources. Middle-income families face annual costs of $16,097, while high-income students pay $21,310—pricing that reflects KU's position as the state's premier research university.
Debt levels are moderate and manageable relative to graduate earnings. Typical students leave with $21,000 in federal loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $28,144. With median graduate earnings of $61,945 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment comfortably. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, though this metric reflects broader economic conditions and loan program changes rather than institution-specific factors.
What makes KU's pricing sustainable is the strong earning power of its graduates. The combination of solid median earnings and diverse high-return programs means that most students can justify the upfront investment through improved long-term financial outcomes. For families who can manage the moderate debt levels, KU offers a clear path to financial advancement.
University Of Kansas Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
