Kansas State University: A Comprehensive Look at Student Demographics and Enrollment
Kansas State University (K-State), the nation's first operational land-grant university, boasts a rich history and a commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education. With a diverse student body and a wide array of academic programs, K-State continues to evolve as a next-generation land-grant university. This article delves into the demographics of the student population, examining factors such as geographic origin, age, race and ethnicity, and gender, as well as providing information on admissions, costs, and graduation rates.
Geographic Diversity
K-State attracts students from across the nation and around the globe, contributing to a diverse and vibrant campus community.
Out-of-State and International Students
While a majority of students hail from Kansas, K-State's reach extends far beyond state lines. Approximately 18.71% of the student body comes from out of state, representing 39 different states (including Washington D.C.). Furthermore, 2.46% of students are international, enriching the campus with global perspectives. K-State ranks 624 out of 2,183 in geographic diversity, with a student location diversity score of 71 out of 100.
Student Age Diversity
K-State prides itself on attracting students of all ages. The university's age diversity score of 73.82 out of 100 reflects its success in creating an inclusive environment for both traditional and non-traditional students. The university welcomes students from all age groups.
Enrollment Statistics
In 2023, K-State's total enrollment reached 19,745 students, with 16,098 enrolled full-time and 3,647 part-time, meaning that 81.5% of students are enrolled full-time. The university continues to focus on increasing access to education, which is a key driver in the overall 4.5% enrollment increase across all campuses. K-State is welcoming the fourth-largest first-time freshman class in university history. These new Wildcats have joined transfer and returning students to form a cohort of 21,213 future leaders, nuclear engineers, biosecurity experts, aviation pilots and specialists, teachers, health care professionals and innovators.
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Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment
A significant majority (81.5%) of K-State students are enrolled full-time, indicating a strong commitment to academic pursuits. This full-time enrollment rate is higher compared to similar Doctoral Universities.
Race and Ethnicity
K-State's student body comprises a diverse mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the university's commitment to inclusivity.
Enrollment by Race and Ethnicity
The racial and ethnic composition of the student body is as follows:
- White: 76.2%
- Hispanic or Latino: 8.68%
- Two or More Races: 3.49%
- Black or African American: 2.94%
- Asian: 2.12%
- American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.43%
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 0.0861%
Race and Ethnicity in Degree Recipients
In 2023, the most common race/ethnicity among degree recipients was White (4,625 degrees awarded). There were 11.2 times more white recipients than the next closest race/ethnicity group, Hispanic or Latino (414 degrees).
Sex Breakdown for Common Majors
In 2023, 2,653 degrees were awarded to men at Kansas State University, which is 0.824 times less than the number of degrees awarded to females (3,219).
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Admissions
K-State's admissions process is competitive, with a focus on attracting talented and driven students.
Acceptance Rate
In 2023, Kansas State University received 13,437 undergraduate applications, which represents a 38.4% annual growth. Out of those 13,437 applicants, 10,663 students were accepted for enrollment, representing a 79.4% acceptance rate. The undergraduate acceptance rate was 79.4% (10,663 admissions from 13,437 applications). Between 2022 and 2023, the number of applicants grew by 38.4%, while admissions grew by 15.5%.
SAT Scores
In 2023, 6% of enrolled first-time students submitted SAT scores with their applications.
Costs and Financial Aid
K-State is committed to making education affordable and accessible to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Tuition Costs
In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Kansas State University is $9,964, which is $21,040 less than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004). The cost of tuition at Kansas State University was $9,964. The cost of tuition at Kansas State University is $−21,040 less than than the overall (public and private) national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004).
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Average Net Price
The average net price - the price paid after factoring in grants and loans - was $18,745 in 2023.
Financial Aid
A significant percentage of K-State students receive financial assistance. In 2023, 76% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants or loans. K-State offers $97 million in financial aid to students annually. More than 83% of students receive some form of financial assistance from the university or other sources. Comparatively, 37% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.
Student Loan Default Rate
In 2022, the default rate for borrowers at Kansas State University was 0%, corresponding to 0 out of the 3,537 total borrowers.
Other student expenses
The average yearly cost of room and board at Kansas State University was of $9,390 in 2023. The cost of room and board increased by 2.42% between 2022 and 2023. During the same period, the average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,010. The cost of books and supplies increased by 0.398% during the same period.
Graduation and Retention Rates
K-State's commitment to student success is reflected in its high graduation and retention rates.
Graduation Rate
In 2023, 5,872 degrees were awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs at Kansas State University. 54.8% of these degrees were awarded to women, and 45.2% awarded men.
In 2023, 41% of students graduating from Kansas State University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 68% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 70% within 200%.
The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at Kansas State University is Female and Asian (81.8% graduation rate).
Retention Rate
The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Kansas State University was 87%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Doctoral Universities (84%), Kansas State University had a retention rate higher than its peers.
Majors and Career Outcomes
K-State offers a wide range of academic programs, preparing students for successful careers in various fields.
Most Common Majors
In 2023, the most common bachelor's degree concentration at Kansas State University was General Animal Sciences with 211 degrees awarded.
The most specialized majors across all degree types at Kansas State University are Agriculture (765 degrees awarded), Architecture and Related Services (121 degrees), and Human Sciences (211 degrees).
Common Jobs and Industries
The most common jobs for people who hold a degree in one of the 5 most specialized majors at Kansas State University are Architects, except landscape and naval (106,116 people), Other managers (102,369 people), Elementary & middle school teachers (89,307 people), Registered nurses (43,641 people), and Physicians (38,563 people).
The most common industries for people who hold a degree in one of the 5 most specialized majors at Kansas State University are Elementary & secondary schools (214,646 people), uninformed (164,225 people), Architectural, engineering & related services (153,340 people), General medical and surgical hospitals, and specialty (except psychiatric and substance abuse) hospitals (125,110 people), and Colleges, universities & professional schools, including junior colleges (104,429 people).
Campus Life and Traditions
K-State fosters a strong sense of community and belonging, with traditions that instill the "Wildcat Way" in its students. The university is composed of "many international students, first generation students, and students from virtually all race, religion, and age," as well as "many students who grew up on a farm or other rural areas," all of whom contribute to a "wonderful community mindset."
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