University of Kansas: A Comprehensive Look at Undergraduate Enrollment

The University of Kansas (KU), a public institution founded in 1865, has a rich history and a vibrant academic community. Ranked #152 in National Universities and #56 in Best Undergraduate Teaching in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, KU is recognized for its commitment to providing a stimulating academic environment and a strong sense of community. This article delves into the undergraduate population at the University of Kansas, examining recent enrollment trends, student demographics, academic offerings, and the overall student experience.

Record-Breaking Enrollment

The University of Kansas has recently experienced significant growth in its undergraduate enrollment. In Fall 2023, the total undergraduate enrollment was 20,696. The university welcomed its largest freshman class in history in August 2024. This record-setting freshman class included 5,323 new Jayhawks, marking a 1.2% increase from the previous year's class, which was, at the time, the largest in KU history. Overall enrollment has grown 4.8% to 30,770, eclipsing the previous all-time mark of 30,102 set in 2008. This increase includes a 5.6% jump at the Lawrence and Edwards campuses (which are counted together) and a 0.1% decrease at the KU Medical Center campuses.

In Fall 2022, the university welcomed its largest freshman class since 2008 and the second-largest in its history, with 4,457 students, an 8.2% increase from Fall 2021. This growth reflects the university's strong academic reputation, effective recruitment strategies, and the support of alumni, donors, and Kansas lawmakers.

Academic Excellence and Diversity

The incoming classes are not only large but also academically talented and diverse. The fall freshmen also are the most academically talented in history: The average GPA of 3.66 ties the fall 2021 mark, which is the highest on record. The class boasts a record-high average high school GPA of 3.68. Minority students comprise 26.5% of the class, while out-of-state students account for a record-high 45% of the class. KU has 17,402 in-state students (the most of any university in Kansas) representing all 105 counties in Kansas, as well as 13,368 out-of-state students (the most of any university in Kansas) from all 49 other states and 116 countries. Surveys show approximately one-third of out-of-state students join the Kansas workforce after graduation, making KU the state’s predominant net importer of talent to address Kansas’ workforce needs.

KU leaders attribute the historic class to the university’s academic reputation and course offerings, recruitment strategies, nationwide network of donors and alumni, athletics profile and financial support from Kansas lawmakers.

Academic Programs

The University of Kansas offers a wide array of undergraduate programs across various schools and departments. KU features the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, which includes the School of the Arts and the School of Public Affairs & Administration; and the schools of Architecture, Design & Planning; Business; Education; Engineering; Health Professions; Journalism & Mass Communications; Law; Medicine; Music; Nursing; Pharmacy; and Social Welfare. The university offers more than 345 degree programs.

The most popular Bachelor's Degree concentrations at University of Kansas were General Psychology (291 degrees awarded), General Finance (206 degrees), and Journalism (203 degrees).

Research Opportunities

KU is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity". The university provides abundant resources for undergraduates, including the Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships, where students can explore research opportunities in nearly all disciplines. Many faculty members are actively engaged in research in their respective fields, providing students with valuable mentorship and hands-on experience.

Study Abroad

Students can enhance their academic experience through one of the best study abroad programs in the nation, with over 165 programs in more than 70 countries.

Student Life and Campus Culture

The University of Kansas provides a vibrant and engaging campus life.

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Diversity and Inclusion

Students at KU come from every county in Kansas, every state, and over 100 countries, reflecting many different values and backgrounds and a diverse array of personalities. Minority student enrollment is now at an all-time high in terms of total count (7,960 students) and percentage of overall enrollment (25.9%).

Student Organizations and Activities

With over 500 student organizations to explore, there's something for everyone, everything from Greek life to chess clubs and intramural sports. KU's Student Union Activities brings in comedians, authors, and movies on a regular basis, so there is never a dull night on campus. Sports are a big deal here, especially during the winter, when KU basketball is our religion, and Allen Fieldhouse is our church. In addition to joining clubs or participating in sports, the typical student probably volunteers in the community, has a part-time job, [and] has some special hobby (from rock climbing to tightrope walking). Many students are also very outdoorsy and make the most of the nearby hills and lakes. When the weather is nice, you can rent camping equipment from the rec for a weekend out at the lake or go rock climbing.

Campus Environment

The university's newspaper is the University Daily Kansan, which placed first in the Intercollegiate Writing Competition of the prestigious William Randolph Hearst Writing Foundation competition. In the winter of 2008, a group of students created KUpedia, a wiki about all things KU. The KU Department of English publishes the Coal City Review, an annual literary journal of prose, poetry, reviews, and illustrations. The university houses the following public broadcasting stations: KJHK, a student-run campus radio station, KUJH-LP, an independent station that primarily broadcasts public affairs programs, and KANU, the NPR-affiliated radio station. Kansas Public Radio station KANU was one of the nation's first public radio stations.

Facilities and Resources

The first union was built on campus in 1926 as a campus community center. The unions are still the "living rooms" of campus and include three locations - the Kansas Union and Burge Union at the Lawrence Campus and Jayhawk Central at the Edwards Campus. The KU Memorial Unions Corporation manages the KU Bookstore (with seven locations). The KU Bookstore is the official bookstore of KU. The corporation also includes KU Dining Services, with more than 20 campus locations, including The Market (inside the Kansas Union) and The Underground (located in Wescoe Hall).

Athletics

The University of Kansas has had teams representing them athletically since at least 1867, a year after classes officially started. The school's sports teams, wearing crimson and blue, are called the Kansas Jayhawks. They participate in the NCAA's Division I and in the Big 12 Conference. The University of Kansas has won thirteen National Championships all-time: six in men's basketball (two Helms Foundation championships and four NCAA championships, most recently in 2022), three in men's indoor track and field, three in men's outdoor track and field, one in men's cross country and one in women's outdoor track and field. The home course for KU Cross Country is Rim Rock Farm.

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Kansas football dates from 1890 and is one of the oldest continuous programs in the nation. They have played in the Orange Bowl three times: 1948, 1969, and 2008, as well as nine other bowl games.

The KU men's basketball team has fielded a team every year since 1898. The Jayhawks are a perennial national contender, coached by Hall of Fame coach Bill Self. The team has won six national titles, including four NCAA tournament championships in 1952, 1988, 2008, and 2022. The basketball program is currently the winningest program in college basketball history with an overall record of 2,355-877 up to their Final Four appearance in the 2021-22 season. The team plays at Allen Fieldhouse.

Location and Transportation

University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, Kansas, often referred to as "the perfect college town." Kansas City International Airport is 40 miles from campus. Shuttles serve Lawrence area to airport. The City of Lawrence and the University have combined their bus systems, several routes go across campus. Range of choices within a few miles of the campus.

Retention and Graduation Rates

Today’s data also include record-setting retention and graduation rates. This year, KU retained a record-high 86.5% of last year’s freshmen while also notching record-high four-year, five-year and six-year graduation rates.

In 2023, 50% of students graduating from University of Kansas completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 66% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 67% within 200%.

Costs and Financial Aid

In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at University of Kansas is $10,596, which is $−20,407 less than the national average for Doctoral Universities ($31,004). The school's in-state tuition and fees are $12,284; out-of-state tuition and fees are $30,614. After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students is $18,322. In 2023, 70% of undergraduate students attending University of Kansas received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 37% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans. Forty-four percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $18,430.

Looking Ahead

Girod said KU must continue working to overcome challenges facing higher education. Higher education continues to face challenges, and enrollments nationally are projected to continue dropping in the coming years. That’s why we must continue to improve our university through our strategic priorities in alignment with the Kansas Board of Regents’ strategic plan, the needs of Kansas businesses and communities, and our aspirations as one of the nation’s leading research institutions.

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