The University of Kansas: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

The University of Kansas extends its impact across five thoughtfully located campuses,  each with a distinct focus and resources tailored to students’ academic and professional ambitions. From a traditional college town to urban medical centers, KU’s locations reflect its dedication to education, research, and community care across the state.

Lawrence (Main Campus)

• Academic Facilities: Over 1,000 acres on Mount Oread with iconic spots like Fraser Hall, the Spencer Museum of Art, and the KU Innovation Park for research collaboration.
• Campus Life: More than 500 student clubs, NCAA Division I athletics, and free city bus service for students make it easy to get involved and get around.

Edwards Campus (Overland Park)

• Academic Focus: Established to serve working professionals and adult learners in the Kansas City area with flexible programs in business, IT, engineering, and biosciences.
• Facilities: Four academic buildings on 35 acres offer classrooms, student support, and community event spaces.
• Community Connections: Industry partnerships and career-focused certificates help students build local networks while earning their degrees.

Kansas City (KU Medical Center)

• Academic Facilities: Houses the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Professions with advanced labs, simulation centers, and clinical training sites.
• Research: Over $100 million (INR 8.6 billion) in annual research funding supports work in areas like cancer, neurology, and rural health.
• Community Care: Students gain practical experience serving patients through affiliated hospitals and outreach clinics in the Kansas City region.

Wichita (School of Medicine) 

• Academic Focus: Offers clinical training and medical education geared toward community-based primary care in south-central Kansas.
• Facilities: Classrooms and labs are connected to major hospitals and clinics for hands-on experience.
• Regional Impact: Prepares students to practice in rural and underserved areas through strong local partnerships.

Salina (School of Medicine) 

• Academic Focus: One of the nation’s smallest four-year medical campuses, enrolling just eight students per class, focuses on rural healthcare.
• Learning Environment: Intimate setting with direct access to physicians and patients in small-town clinics.
• Statewide Reach: It aims to expand Kansas’s rural medical workforce where it’s needed most.

Now that you know what each KU campus has to offer, you can see how this statewide network shapes the University of Kansas's ranking for 2025/26.

The University of Kansas is ranked #465 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, reflecting its consistent position among global institutions.  It also appears in the Times Higher Education rankings within the 351–400 band for both 2024 and 2025, indicating steady recognition for its teaching and research impact.

Here’s a quick overview of its recent rankings:

To get a clearer sense of the university’s strengths, it is worthwhile to look beyond the overall numbers and see how it performs in subject-wise rankings.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025

The University of Kansas maintains strong subject rankings across a diverse range of areas. It stands within the top 100 for Petroleum Engineering and ranks #114 worldwide for Economics. Several other courses earn places among the best in their fields.

Here's a quick look at how KU measures up in specific subjects.

A strong ranking often reflects a competitive admissions process, so let’s explore the requirements for enrolling in the University of Kansas in 2025.

If you plan to apply to the University of Kansas, you’ll need to meet clear academic, English language, and visa requirements. Undergraduate applicants must hold a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for all previous coursework. Careful preparation will help you stay on track from application to enrollment.

To help you get started, here’s what you should know about KU’s academic standards.

Academic Requirements

Admission at KU begins with your grades, course history, and any necessary test results. For Indian students, this includes marksheets from years 9 to 11, plus your Standard X and XII certificates. Official academic transcripts are mandatory before you enroll.

Below is a detailed overview of the key qualifications you’ll need.

Academic Qualifications

Your academic records are a vital part of your application. While you can submit unofficial transcripts with your online form, KU must receive official, final versions before you begin your second term. If you’ve had a gap longer than three months since high school, write a short statement to explain that period.

Review this table to see what documents and details you should have ready.

Once you have these records ready, your next priority is to show that you meet the required English proficiency levels.

Language Proficiency

Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an approved exam. For example, you’ll need at least a 79 on the TOEFL, with a minimum sub-score of 18 in each section. 

Use the table below to compare the minimum scores required.

Note: Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission. A higher score may strengthen your application in a competitive pool.

After reviewing language scores, you’ll want to see if your program requires competitive exam results.

Competitive Exams

Submitting SAT and ACT scores  is optional for many programs, but strong results can help. For example, an SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing score of 590 is often recommended. Some graduate programs will expect GRE or GMAT scores, so check your department’s guidelines if you’re applying for one of over 100 graduate programs.

The table below outlines typical score expectations.

Before moving on, make sure you understand what financial and identification documents are required for your student visa.

Visa Requirements

KU requires proof that you can cover at least one full year of study and living costs, which can be around $40,000 (INR 34.2L) or more. After you accept your offer, you’ll receive your I-20 form to begin the F-1 visa process. Keep your passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.

Refer to this table as a checklist for your visa documents.

After preparing these documents, the final step is to stay on top of the deadlines to avoid delays.

Application Dates and Deadlines

Missing a deadline could delay your plans by an entire semester, so be sure to mark your calendar carefully. For the Spring intake, international students outside the U.S. must apply by November 15, 2025. 

The table below outlines the key dates you should remember.

Once you understand the admissions process, it's essential to examine the range of programs and courses offered.

The University of Kansas offers more than 400 undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for global careers and research opportunities. From engineering and business to health sciences and journalism, KU combines academic depth with practical training. 

Take a quick look at some of KU’s well-loved and emerging courses below:

Understanding the academic offerings is crucial, but it's also essential to know the costs associated with these programs.

Program Fees at the University of Kansas

The University of Kansas provides a range of tuition fees for international students, depending on your program of study. Annual costs can start from around $19,703 (INR 16.7L) and go up to $44,054 (INR 37.3L). This range gives students flexible options based on their chosen degree.

Here’s a quick look at what you might pay each year for different graduate programs at the University of Kansas:

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on current rates.

Along with program fees, let’s take a broader look at the full cost of studying in the USA.

Planning your finances is key when studying abroad. At the University of Kansas, the cost of studying engineering in the USA can reach up to $30,723 (INR 26.2L) a year. A clear budget lets you handle expenses confidently and focus on your degree.

Here’s a quick look at the estimated annual costs to help you budget wisely:

Note: These figures are for engineering and can vary for other courses. 

After understanding the cost of studying, it’s essential to look at the living expenses you will encounter during your time there.

Cost of Living

Understanding what you’ll spend at the University of Kansas is key when planning your graduate studies. For non-resident master’s students living off-campus, the estimated annual cost of living in the US comes to about $40,104 (approx. INR 34.3L).

Here’s a breakdown to help you plan better:

Note: 

• INR amounts are approximate and can fluctuate with exchange rates. 
• Your final expenses will depend on your lifestyle, housing choice, and personal spending habits.

To ease the financial burden, let’s explore the scholarships available for students at the University of Kansas in 2025.

The University of Kansas (KU) makes it easier for students to manage tuition and living costs with generous merit-based aid. KU’s scholarships can reach up to $64,000 (INR 54.5L) spread over four years, giving you breathing room while you study.

Here’s a quick look at what’s on offer, both from KU directly and through big-name external sources.

Internal Scholarships at the University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers a range of internal scholarships to reward academic excellence. With awards like the KU Distinction Scholarship offering up to $56,000 (INR 47.6L) over four years, these merit-based scholarships are available to both domestic and international students.

Here are some scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA:

Apart from internal ones, there are some external scholarships, including some fully funded scholarships. Let’s explore those next. 

External Scholarships for KU Students

External scholarships can significantly reduce your tuition costs, with options ranging from government-funded programs to organization-sponsored awards. For example, the Fulbright Scholarship can provide over $30,000 (INR 25.5L) annually. 

Here is an overview of external scholarships:

Scholarships are just one part of your academic journey; let’s now explore the university's placement services and career opportunities.

The University of Kansas (KU) helps graduates step confidently into the job market or further studies. With over 50% of undergraduates landing full-time jobs and substantial average salaries, KU degrees prove their worth. Students benefit from solid career support and connections that last well beyond campus.

Here are some notable figures for recent classes:

• 52.7% of KU undergraduates step into full-time jobs, with an average annual salary of INR 49.53L ($57,954).
• 35.1% of bachelor’s degree holders continue their education right away, proving that learning doesn’t always end at the first diploma.
• 67.9% of master’s graduates are employed full-time, earning an average salary of INR 62.31L ($72,945).
• 19.2% of taught postgraduates continue to build on their degrees through further studies.

KU’s career services make sure students get to explore all the best career options after graduation. Let’s take a closer look at which companies hire from KU.

Top Recruiters

Graduates from the University of Kansas (KU) find their way into a diverse range of fields, including regional school districts, national consulting firms, engineering giants, healthcare systems, and public service roles.

Below are some of the well-known organizations that regularly hire KU students for the highest-paying jobs:

• Education & Research: University of Kansas and Affiliates, University of Kansas Medical Center, Blue Valley School District, Shawnee Mission School District
• Consulting & Finance: Deloitte Consulting, EY, Forvis, PMG
• Engineering & Construction: JE Dunn Construction, Kiewit, Burns & McDonnell
• Government & Public Sector: United States Army, Johnson County
• Technology & Business Services: Garmin, Netsmart Technologies, Lockton Companies, Shamrock Trading Corporation, Evergy

While strong career prospects are a big plus, student life at KU brings just as much value to your time on campus. Let’s see what that side of the story holds.

Student life at the University of Kansas offers far more than academics alone. With over 600 student groups, strong leadership courses, and long-held traditions, you’ll find support and a sense of belonging from the start. Friendships, personal growth, and campus pride are part of daily life.

To give you a clearer picture, here are some key aspects of student life at the University of Kansas:

• Student Organizations: More than 600 groups span academic, cultural, recreational, and special interests. Rock Chalk Central makes it easy to connect or start a new club with help from the Student Involvement & Leadership Center.
• Greek Life & Leadership: Dozens of fraternities and sororities contribute to community and service. Leadership training, mentoring, and workshops help students build skills and connections.
• Sports & Recreation: KU Recreation Services and the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center offer a variety of activities, including fitness classes, club sports, intramurals, and outdoor adventures. 
• Arts & Events: Student Union Activities organizes concerts, films, festivals, and other events. Theatre performances, art shows, and the nearby Lawrence arts community keep campus life full.
• Cultural & Equity Centers: Centers such as the Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center and Emily Taylor Center provide events, resources, and welcoming spaces for students from all backgrounds.
• Volunteer & Civic Engagement: The Center for Service Learning connects students with local service projects, community partnerships, and volunteer opportunities.
• Housing & Traditions: On-campus options include residence halls, apartments, and unique scholarship halls. Events like Hawk Week, Traditions Night, and camping for basketball tickets build a strong sense of community.
• Safety and Wellbeing: KU offers 24/7 campus security, SafeRide services, healthcare, mental health support, and career counselling, ensuring students feel supported at every step.

Understanding student life can help you visualize your time at the university, but it’s also inspiring to see the success of its notable alumni.

The University of Kansas is home to a strong community of more than 314,500 graduates worldwide, many of whom have left significant marks in public policy, the arts, science, athletics, and beyond. From discovering Pluto to shaping national policy, Jayhawks have built a legacy that continues to inspire new generations. 

Here are just a few whose work stands out:

Looking at the success stories of alumni, you might wonder how the University of Kansas compares to other top universities. Let’s explore that next.

When comparing the University of Kansas, the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, and Kansas State University, consider key factors such as tuition, rankings, and academic programs. For instance, the University of Kansas ranks #152 among National Universities, while Tennessee is higher at #109.

Here’s a side-by-side peek at the essentials to help you figure out which one lines up with what you’re after.

Whether you opt for Kansas, Tennessee, or another top university, each provides distinct opportunities for personal and academic growth. Be sure to weigh all factors to find the best match for your academic and career aspirations.