University of Kansas publishes a cost of attendance of $25,215 per year for in-state students, including $11,700 in tuition, $10,818 for room and board, and $1,224 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $29,412, bringing their total cost of attendance above $30,000.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $25,215 |
| Tuition and Fees | $29,412 |
| Room and Board | $10,818 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,224 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,850 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,365 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,908 |
| $30–48k | $12,702 |
| $48–75k | $16,097 |
| $75–110k | $20,649 |
| $110k+ | $21,310 |
University of Kansas publishes a cost of attendance of $25,215 per year for in-state students, including $11,700 in tuition, $10,818 for room and board, and $1,224 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $29,412, bringing their total cost of attendance above $30,000. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $17,365 representing savings of $7,850 from the published cost.
This net price falls $1,775 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating that University of Kansas provides moderate affordability relative to comparable institutions. The financial aid system effectively reduces costs for most students, with the average family paying approximately 69% of the sticker price. Net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $10,908 for the lowest-income families to $21,310 for families earning over $110,000 annually.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Kansas graduates carry median debt levels of $21,000, ranking at the 63rd percentile nationally and comparing favorably to peer institutions. Student debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating moderate borrowing variation among graduates.
The median debt matches closely with the peer median of $20,000, differing by only $1,000 and demonstrating typical borrowing patterns for similar institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 indicates manageable repayment obligations, with annual debt payments representing roughly one-third of first-year earnings.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $28,144 with monthly payments of $371, representing additional family investment beyond student borrowing. The combination of moderate student debt levels and solid earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability, with most graduates able to manage repayment obligations while building their careers and financial independence.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Kansas delivers solid return on investment through the combination of reasonable costs and strong graduate earnings. Graduates earn around the national average relative to expectations, with outcomes $833 below predicted levels but still achieving a median of $61,945 ten years after enrollment.
Student debt of $21,000 compares favorably to the peer median, while graduate earnings exceed peer levels by $1,402 annually. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 indicates sustainable repayment obligations that allow graduates to build wealth while managing educational debt.
The university's return index ranks at the 81.2nd percentile with well above average performance, reflecting favorable outcomes relative to educational investment. This combination of moderate costs, manageable debt, and strong earnings creates positive long-term financial prospects for University of Kansas graduates across multiple academic programs and career pathways.
University of Kansas serves 19.5% Pell-eligible students, below the national average for public institutions but indicating meaningful access for lower-income families. The $7,850 difference between sticker price and net price demonstrates substantial financial aid impact, with most students receiving some form of assistance to reduce costs below published levels.
Net prices by income level reveal concentrated aid targeting, with the lowest-income families paying $10,402 less than the highest-income families, indicating effective aid distribution. The progressive aid structure supports the university's moderate access profile while ensuring that families with greater financial capacity contribute more toward educational expenses.
Financial aid effectiveness helps explain how the university maintains above average affordability performance despite higher published costs, creating pathways for students from diverse economic backgrounds to access a major research university education.
