Lawrence, KS · Private University
Is University of Kansas Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$61,945
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$11,700
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$29,412
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$117,648
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.11x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
68.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$17,365
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Kansas graduates earn $16,945 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Kansas ranked by graduate earnings
17 graduates
57 graduates
87 graduates
100 graduates
106 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Kansas
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At University of Kansas, the gap between the highest-earning major (Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering: $86,763) and the lowest (Fine and Studio Arts: $25,999) is $60,764/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications EngineeringBest ROI | $86,763 | 3.0x |
| Chemical Engineering | $82,447 | 2.8x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $79,635 | 2.7x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $78,561 | 2.7x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $77,588 | 2.6x |
| Architectural Engineering(1yr data) | $76,353 | 2.6x |
| Civil Engineering | $76,320 | 2.6x |
| Petroleum Engineering | $72,619 | 2.5x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $71,526 | 2.4x |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering(1yr data) | $71,244 | 2.4x |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $70,115 | 2.4x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $68,800 | 2.3x |
| Marketing | $67,616 | 2.3x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $66,001 | 2.2x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $64,135 | 2.2x |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(1yr data) | $62,993 | 2.1x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $60,067 | 2.0x |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $59,399 | 2.0x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $57,522 | 2.0x |
| Political Science and Government | $56,303 | 1.9x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $55,393 | 1.9x |
| Journalism | $54,736 | 1.9x |
| Economics | $53,664 | 1.8x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $52,304 | 1.8x |
| Sociology | $52,185 | 1.8x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $50,894 | 1.7x |
| Biology, General | $49,093 | 1.7x |
| Mathematics(1yr data) | $48,726 | 1.7x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $47,299 | 1.6x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $44,853 | 1.5x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $44,562 | 1.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $44,282 | 1.5x |
| Social Work | $44,136 | 1.5x |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology(1yr data) | $43,734 | 1.5x |
| Psychology, General | $43,397 | 1.5x |
| Behavioral Sciences | $42,992 | 1.5x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences(1yr data) | $41,626 | 1.4x |
| History | $39,942 | 1.4x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $37,147 | 1.3x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research(1yr data) | $34,374 | 1.2x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $30,786 | 1.1x |
| Anthropology(1yr data) | $29,376 | 1.0x |
| Fine and Studio ArtsLowest | $25,999 | 0.9x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | 2.11x | $61,945 | Strong ROI |
| Iowa State University | 2.29x | $63,386 | Strong ROI |
| Kansas State University | 2.06x | $57,262 | Strong ROI |
| University of Iowa | 1.97x | $64,762 | Good ROI |
| University of Kentucky | 1.77x | $59,025 | Good ROI |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 2.05x | $56,887 | Strong ROI |
The Bottom Line
University of Kansas stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $61,945 10 years after starting — $16,945 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.4 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.