University of Kansas admits 88.2% of applicants, meaning approximately 9 out of every 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Open Access category, with admission rates above 75%. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows that University of Kansas is more accessible than many comparable institutions, admitting applicants at a rate 10.1 percentage points higher than similar schools. This high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission as a public flagship institution committed to broad educational access for Kansas residents and qualified out-of-state students. Students should understand that while admission to University of Kansas is relatively accessible, the university maintains academic standards through its curriculum and degree requirements. The combination of open access and strong academic programs makes University of Kansas attractive to students seeking a major research university experience without the uncertainty of highly competitive admission. Prospective students should focus on meeting basic admission requirements and preparing for academic success rather than worrying about admission competition. For college planning purposes, students can treat University of Kansas as a likely admission school while building a balanced list that includes other options matching their academic and financial needs.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Kansas typically present strong academic credentials that exceed expectations for an open access institution. The middle 50% of enrolled students score between 1050 and 1290 on the SAT, with a median score of 1186. SAT Math scores range from 520 to 640, while SAT Verbal scores span 530 to 650. On the ACT, enrolled students score between 21 and 27, with a median of 25. These test score ranges rank at the 93rd percentile nationally, indicating excellent performance that places University of Kansas among institutions with top-tier academic credentials. Compared to peer institutions, University of Kansas students score 12 points lower on the SAT than the peer median of 1198, though this difference is modest given the university's more accessible admission standards. ACT scores match the peer median of 25, demonstrating comparable academic preparation. The 25th percentile scores represent the lower end of the enrolled student range, meaning that students scoring 1050 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT are competitive for admission, though not guaranteed acceptance. Students should recognize that these ranges reflect enrolled students, not minimum requirements, and that the university considers multiple factors beyond test scores. If your scores fall within the middle 50% range, you are academically competitive for admission and should expect to be well-prepared for the university's academic rigor.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Kansas enrolls a moderately diverse student body with representation from various economic backgrounds. The institution enrolls 19.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating that roughly one in five students comes from lower-income families qualifying for federal grant aid. First-generation college students comprise 22.2% of enrollment, meaning that more than one in five students are the first in their families to attend college. Transfer students represent 19.8% of enrollment, reflecting the university's commitment to providing pathways for students beginning their higher education elsewhere. This composition suggests that University of Kansas attracts students from various educational and economic backgrounds, though the Pell share falls below levels seen at many other public institutions. The moderate first-generation enrollment indicates that the university serves both traditional college-going families and those newer to higher education. Geographic diversity likely includes strong representation from Kansas residents alongside out-of-state students drawn to the university's academic programs and research opportunities. First-generation students should know that 22.2% of enrolled students share their background and that the university provides support systems for students navigating college as the first in their families. Students from lower-income families should consider the 19.5% Pell share when assessing whether they will find peers from similar economic circumstances.
Given University of Kansas's 88.2% acceptance rate, most academically qualified students should gain admission. However, students seeking alternatives may want options with different characteristics or guaranteed admission.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Students who enroll at University of Kansas demonstrate solid retention and completion outcomes with notable patterns by student background. The university retains 85.1% of freshmen for sophomore year, comparing favorably to the peer median of 83.7% and indicating effective first-year support systems. Within six years, 68.8% of students complete their degrees, slightly above the peer median of 65.9%, demonstrating above-average institutional effectiveness in supporting students to graduation. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 50.8%, creating an 18-point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap indicates that lower-income students face additional challenges in completing their degrees, though the university's support systems help many succeed. The retention rate above peer averages suggests that students who gain admission find the academic and social environment conducive to continued enrollment. The completion rate performance indicates that most students who start at University of Kansas successfully earn their degrees, particularly those without additional economic barriers. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, especially if they engage with available academic and financial aid resources. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as indicators of the academic environment they will experience and the support systems available to help them succeed.
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