Kansas State University (KSU) vs. University of Iowa (UI) Overview
You’re wrestling with a tough question: “Should I go to K-State or Iowa?“
Kansas State University (KSU)
University of Iowa (UI)
Can you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesCan you get in?
Calculate Your ChancesThis complete guide analyzes both the quantitative and qualitative differences between Kansas State University (KSU) and University of Iowa (UI). This comparison is particularly valuable at understanding the cultural nuances between the colleges since it uses student videos to capture the “vibes” of campus - these videos are exclusively available on CampusReel :)
Differences between Kansas State University (KSU) and University of Iowa (UI)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s go through a general overview of the high-level differences between Kansas State University (KSU) and University of Iowa (UI). The table below summarizes some of the most important statistics around competitiveness, costs, etc.
| Kansas State University (KSU) | University of Iowa (UI) | |
|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $9,350 | $8,104 |
| Net Price | $17,401 | $14,085 |
| Average Financial Aid | $5,326 | $7,366 |
| Total Undergraduates | 19443 | 21970 |
| Average SAT Scores | 0 - 0 | 1000 - 1320 |
| Acceptance Rate | 95 | 81 |
| Location | 919 Mid-Campus Drive Anderson Hall | 101 Jessup Hall |
| City Name | Manhattan | Iowa City |
WARNINGS: Based on net price alone, University of Iowa (UI) is the cheaper option. However, this sticker price may not adequately represent the difference in living costs between Manhattan and Iowa City. K-State is in a West North Central and Iowa is in a West North Central - sometimes off campus meals and housing costs can dramatically vary between schools
Is Kansas State University (KSU) or University of Iowa (UI) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into?
If you’re looking at acceptance rate alone, then University of Iowa (UI) is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.
Therefore, the acceptance rate alone is not a good indicator that University of Iowa (UI) is a better school or will be more difficult for you specifically to get into. On the flipside, Kansas State University (KSU) is easier to get into based on acceptance rate alone.
You can use the below college admissions predictor to determine your likelihood of acceptance at either school.
How Do K-State Dorms Compare to housing Options at Iowa?
Both colleges provide on-campus living options. K-State charges for on-campus living, while Iowa charges N/A for on-campus living. Most importantly, though, check out the video below for a sample of dorm tours at each school.
K-State and Iowa student body differences
The table below helps demonstrate the student body differences as well.
| Kansas State University (KSU), % | Iowa,% | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 77.7 | 67.30000000000001 |
| Hispanic | 6.67 | 7.46 |
| Black | 3.6900000000000004 | 3.32 |
| Foreign | 5.6000000000000005 | 11.53 |
| Others | 6.3 | 10.4 |
How different is the Kansas State University (KSU) campus compared to University of Iowa (UI) campus?
The K-State campus is located in Manhattan, KS and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000). The Iowa campus is located in Iowa City, IA and is characterized as City: Small (population less than 100,000).
Which school gives more financial aid?
K-State provides $5,326 whereas Iowa provides an average of $7,366.
How does K-State academics compare to Iowa?
When analyzing academics between Kansas State University (KSU) and University of Iowa (UI) we’ll look at both what current students are studying and also where they end up after graduation. After all, college should prepare you for a career! Analyzing each school’s outcomes is super valuable to understand the value of the degree.
| Majors | K-State | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture agriculture operations and related sciences | 529 | N/A |
| Natural resources and conservation | 27 | 55 |
| Architecture and related services | N/A | N/A |
| Area ethnic cultural gender and group studies | 2 | 13 |
| Communication journalism and related programs | 160 | 369 |
| Computer and information sciences and support services | 82 | 104 |
| Communications technologies technicians and support services | N/A | N/A |
| Personal and culinary services | N/A | N/A |
| Engineering | 462 | 425 |
| Education | 313 | 110 |
| Engineering technologies and engineering related fields | 92 | N/A |
Which is better: Kansas State University (KSU) or University of Iowa (UI)?
We’ve compared dorm life, costs, outcomes and more to provide the most complete comparison between K-State and Iowa. But, you’re smart enough to know that numbers paint a terrible picture for truly understanding what each college and community is like. And, the real answer to which school is better is: the school that’s right for you. No matter who you ask, if they know what they’re talking about, the answer is the same: the “better” school is whatever is the best fit for you personally. That’s why it’s extremely important to check out all the videos on CampusReel for each school.
How does K-State social life compare to Iowa?
It’s tough to understand the nuances of social life with data alone. That’s why we’ve brought in real student videos to show how K-State social life differs from Iowa.
Check here.
Check here.