
Kansas State University (K-State) is a public research university. K-State has three campuses in Kansas: Manhattan Campus, Salina Campus and Olathe Campus, and offers more than 250 undergraduate majors. The K-State Graduate School at the Olathe Campus offers 65 master's degrees, 45 doctoral degrees and 22 graduate certificates.
K-State is working to become a top 50 public research university in the U.S. by the year 2025. It has strong science programs, and is home to the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, and the Biosecurity Research Institute. The K-State "Landon Lectures" guest speakers have included international leaders like Mikhail Gorbachev and Vicente Fox, as well as seven U.S. presidents. High profile alumni include Erin Brockovich and Jordy Nelson, among others.
History
Kansas State University was founded in 1863 as one of the first land-grant colleges in the United States.
Academics
The academic calendar for Kansas State University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer terms.
Colleges and Schools
The colleges, schools and divisions of Kansas State University are:
- College of Agriculture
- College of Architecture, Planning and Design
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business Administration
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Human Ecology
- College of Technology and Aviation
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Division of Continuing Education
- Graduate School
- School of Leadership Studies
Student Life
K-State offers nearly 500 student clubs, groups and organizations for those seeking involvement. Student groups cover a broad range of interests from culture and politics to charity work or sports. There are many opportunities for community services or developing leadership skills through the School of Leadership Studies. The Hands On Kansas State program offers training for service on campus, in the community or abroad.
Greek Life is active on campus, and local chapters of fraternities and sororities offer more opportunities for charity work.
On campus housing is available, and a majority of K-State students live on campus their first year. Residence Halls include the Derby Complex, Kramer Complex and Strong Complex. A wide range of dining options is also available.
Traditions
The Kansas State University school colors are purple and white. The school mascot is the "wildcats."
Athletics
The K-State "Wildcats" athletic teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross County
- Equestrian
- Football
- Golf
- Rowing
- Track and Field
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Equestrian
- Golf
- Rowing
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
The main campus for Kansas State University is its Manhattan Campus, a 664-acre site in northeast Kansas. A second campus for K-State is its Salina Campus, a 149-acre site in central Kansas (and 70 miles from Manhattan, Kansas). A third campus for K-State is its Olathe Campus, which is located in the Kansas Bioscience Park.
Community Life
The city of Manhattan, Kansas has a population of 50,000, and is known as "The Little Apple." It has an interesting history and offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, as well as fine dining and excellent shopping. The army fort, Fort Riley is nearby, and the area is surrounded by the scenic Flint Hills. The Kansas State University campus in Manhattan is considered one of the safest college campuses in the nation.
Admission Requirements & Details
The admission details below may provide a better idea of the applicants K-State accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
Kansas State University has a total student population of about 24,000. The enrollment breakdown by academic level is 15% enrolling as graduate students and 82% as undergraduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $17,000. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $30 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- In-State Tuition: $8,500-$10,000
- Nonresident Student Tuition: $23,000-$27,120
- Charges for part-time students are:
- State Residents: $280-$340 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $750-$900 per credit unit
- The average estimated cost for room and board is listed to be around $10,000, the price includes twenty meals each week
Financial Aid Details
The financial aid table below details the types of financial aid, along with the percent of students receiving aid, and on average the amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 85% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 75% | $5,697 |
Receiving Student Loans | 49% | $6,421 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, Kansas State University may offer services to students including:- Online classes
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial courses
- Counseling assistance
- Student employment
- Employment search assistance
- Day care for children
Graduation Rates
Kansas State University has an overall graduation rate which is close to 59%.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 26% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 27% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 7% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Art and Design Program
- Dietetics Program
- Coordinated Dietetics Program
- English Language Program
- Music Program
- Graduate Level Public Health (Outside School of Public Health) Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
- Theatre Program
- Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) Program
Intercollegiate Athletics
Kansas State University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports belonging to the NCAA Division I-A classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Big Twelve Conference)
- Basketball (Big Twelve Conference)
- Track and Field (Big Twelve Conference)
- Football (Big Twelve Conference)
- Golf
- Rowing
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Equestrian
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Kansas State University by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Animal Science (B, C, D, M)
- Agricultural Business and Management (B, C, M)
- Agricultural Economics (B, D, M)
- Food Science (B, C, D, M)
- Agronomy and Crop Science (B, D, M)
- Agricultural and Food Products Processing (B)
- Horticultural Science (B, C, M)
- Horse Husbandry, Equine Science and Management (C)
- Agricultural Mechanization (B)
- Food Technology and Processing (D, M)
- Agricultural Communication (B)
- Food Science and Technology (C)
- Agricultural Public Services (M)
- Farm and Ranch Management (C)
- Range Science and Management (C)
Architecture
- Architecture (M)
- Landscape Architect (M)
- Interior Architecture (M)
- Urban Planning (M)
- Environmental Design, Architecture (D)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, D, M)
- Microbiology (B)
- Wildlife Biology (B)
- Biochemistry (B, D, M)
- Pathology, Experimental Pathology (D)
- Genetics (D)
- Plant Pathology, Phytopathology (D)
- Entomology (D, M)
- Biotechnology (C)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Business Administration (B, M)
- Finance (B, C)
- Accounting (B, M)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (B, M)
- Information Systems (B)
- Commerce (B, C)
- Entrepreneurship (B)
- Project Management (B)
- Sales (C)
- Accounting and Business and Management (A)
- Financial Planning (B)
- International Business (C)
- Organizational Leadership (C)
- Organizational Behavior Studies
- Management Science
Communications and Journalism
- Journalism (B, M)
- Communications (B, M)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer (B, D, M)
- Information Science (B)
- Computer Programming (M)
Education
- Elementary Education (B)
- Adult and Continuing Education (D, M)
- Curriculum and Instruction (D, M)
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services (C, M)
- Secondary Education (B, C)
- Guidance Counselor (D, M)
- Music Teacher Education (B)
- Special Education (M)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (D, M)
- Agricultural Teacher Education (B)
- Art Teacher Education (B)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development (C)
- Education, Teaching of Individuals with Autism (C)
- ESL (C)
- Adult and Continuing Education Administration
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Civil Engineering (B, D, M)
- Architectural Engineering (B, M)
- Industrial Engineering (B, D, M)
- Electrical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Chemical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Computer Engineering (B)
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Bioengineering (B, C, D, M)
- Operations Research (M)
- Nuclear Engineering (D, M)
- Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Transportation and Highway Engineering
Engineering Technology
- Construction Engineering Technology (B)
- Engineering Technology (A, B)
- Engineering Management (M)
- Engineering Technologies (M)
English Language and Literature
- English (B, C, M)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- Ethnic Studies (B)
- Women's Studies (B, C)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Family Studies (B, C, M)
- Human Nutrition (B, M)
- Apparel and Textiles (B, M)
- Family and Consumer Sciences (B, D)
- Child Development (B)
- Family Resource Management Studies (C)
- Nutrition and Wellness Studies (M)
- Family and Community Services (M)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Foreign Languages and Literatures (B, M)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Veterinary Medicine (D)
- Dietetics (B)
- Communication Disorders (B)
- Athletic Training (B)
- Veterinary Sciences (M)
- Public Health (C, M)
- Pre-Veterinary Studies (B)
- Veterinary Physiology (D)
- Medical Technology
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
History
- History (B, D, M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Natural Sciences (B)
- Dispute Resolution (C)
- Gerontology (M)
- Sustainability Studies (C)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (C)
- Humanistic Studies (B)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, D, M)
- Statistics (B, C, D, M)
- Applied Mathematics (C)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Aircraft Powerplant Technology (C)
- Aircraft Mechanic (A, B, C)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Natural Resources Management and Policy (B)
- Environmental Studies
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B)
Physical Sciences
Psychology
- Psychology (B, D, M)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (B)
- Public Administration (C, M)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Social Sciences
- Social Science (B)
- Sociology (B, D, M)
- Political Science (B, M)
- Economics (B, D, M)
- Anthropology (B)
- International Relations (D, M)
- Geography (B, D, M)
- Cartography and GIS (C)
Transportation and Materials Moving
- Aviation (B)
- Commercial Airline Pilot (A, B)
- Air Transportation (C)
- Aviation and Airway Management
Visual and Performing Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Arts (B, M)
- Interior Design (B)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, M)
- Music (B, M)
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Kansas State University.
- Washburn University in Topeka, KS (48 miles away)
- Emporia State University in Emporia, KS (58 miles away)
- University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS (73 miles away)
- Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, KS (74 miles away)
- Peru State College in Peru, NE (100 miles away)
See a list of all the colleges and universities by clicking on one of the links below:
- Browse through our complete list of colleges in Kansas
- Find out what other state universities are located in Kansas