Founded in 1866, University of Kansas. is a Public college. Located in Kansas, which is a city setting in Kansas, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 19,262 full time undergraduate students, and 8,303 full time graduate students.
The University of Kansas Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 17:1. There are 1311 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at University of Kansas include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
93%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
40
SAT Range
ACT Range
23-29
Admissions at KU are considered Less Selective, with ,171% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 28 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
88% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 57% were in the top quarter, and 26% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at University of Kansas.
3%
“We”re apathetic”
21%
“We know about current events and vote”
59%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
17%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
1%
“We save it for the classroom”
20%
“Sometimes, but not often”
59%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
6%
“I only go out in groups”
46%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
48%
“I feel extremely safe”
1%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
2%
“We bought the gear”
97%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
10%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
66%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
19%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
9%
“Available in class”
61%
“They keep regular office hours”
27%
“They”re always available”
5%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
19%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
71%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
5%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
15%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
35%
“We only party on weekends”
46%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
6%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
52%
“There might be people who do”
37%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
6%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
21%
“We know about current events and vote”
59%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
17%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
1%
“We save it for the classroom”
20%
“Sometimes, but not often”
59%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
6%
“I only go out in groups”
46%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
48%
“I feel extremely safe”
1%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
2%
“We bought the gear”
97%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
10%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
66%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
19%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
9%
“Available in class”
61%
“They keep regular office hours”
27%
“They”re always available”
5%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
19%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
71%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
5%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
318 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
232 Students rated off-campus housing 3.9 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
350 Students rated campus food 3.7 stars. 23 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
362 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
362 Students rated class size 3.9 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
362 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 47 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
364 Students rated local services 4.4 stars. 59 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
362 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.
University of Kansas REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of University of Kansas?
124 Students rated University of Kansas
Betsey
College04/25/2025
The University of Kansas offers so much to students. Being able to receive a fantastic education and be a part of any club you could think of. KU supports all students and sets them up for success after college by giving them all the resources they need to be great. For questions you might have, they always give you an answer and more. The culture, academic opportunities, and campus life are all the best. Being able to attend a school that gives you all three of those aspects is a privilege. You aren't able to find that most of the time; it is usually one or the other. The University of Kansas makes me feel right at home; I am so excited and privileged to be a part of the Jayhawk family.
Christina
04/03/2025
It’s such a big campus but it feels like everyone knows each other. The students and faculties are so kind and helpful and there’s always something going on as you walk around on campus. There’s a diversity of people so it doesn’t feel like you’re left out. I love it!
Opal
Prospective04/01/2025
The University of Kansas offers the exact program I was looking for. It also has a well qualified honors program, which I'm excited to join. I've already found connections there with my few visits. It is a very friendly environment and has good transportation around the area. It is walkable, but very hilly.
mgean
01/13/2025
I really like it i think the vide you get there is very nice especially if you are into sports and the town and campus is very cute.
Shayna
06/22/2024
The University of Kansas provides the perfect balance of social interaction and academic integrity. I love the fact that I have the utmost resources of a top-tier research university as well as being able to go to a game and scream my heart out supporting the amazing Jayhawk athletics. There is no reason to be boggled down into one area of a college experience, but rather be whole as a person.
Isabella
05/17/2024
As soon as I stepped foot onto campus, I felt a wave of joy and emotions wash over me. It felt like home. Everyone is welcome there, and there are many excellent opportunities to better yourself. We represent the fictional creature, the Jayhawk, which has evolved and become a great symbol of pride and honor over the past 95 years.
Thoa
04/28/2024
I believe the University of Kansas has a nice and safe environment. There are variety of majors provided by the university to create a diversity of students from all over the place to come join and learn while experiencing the friendly culture within the campus.
louden
03/19/2024
I never thought to much about the school before joining, but once I got on campus and felt the energy of the students during a game, or when we are on the road, that truly made me appreciate what I was really getting involved in. The staff is friendly, students are at least intelligently aware of what's going on, and the campus itself can shine during the right seasons!
Adia
02/17/2024
I LOVE IT
Kamiyah
08/11/2023
The University of Kansas does provide a lot of opportunity for their students to network and make connections with other people on campus and future employers. There are some professors and staff members that genuinely care about their students and will help. The basketball games at this school is amazing.
Noah
06/15/2023
The University of Kansas (KU) offers a compelling array of reasons why someone would genuinely enjoy their time at the institution. From its academic excellence to its vibrant campus life, KU has much to offer prospective students seeking a fulfilling university experience.
First and foremost, KU boasts a strong academic reputation. With a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning various disciplines, the university provides students with ample opportunities to pursue their passions and interests. Whether one is interested in the sciences, humanities, business, or the arts, KU offers high-quality programs led by accomplished faculty members who are dedicated to nurturing students' intellectual growth.
Moreover, KU prides itself on its commitment to research and innovation. The university hosts numerous research centers and institutes, giving students the chance to engage in groundbreaking research projects alongside esteemed professors. This hands-on approach to learning fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of one's field of study.
Beyond academics, the campus life at KU is vibrant and dynamic. The university offers a diverse range of student organizations, clubs, and extracurricular activities that cater to various interests and passions. Whether one is interested in joining a sports team, participating in community service, or exploring the arts, there is something for everyone. These activities provide avenues for personal growth, leadership development, and building lifelong friendships.
Furthermore, the campus itself is beautiful and inviting. From its iconic Campanile and Potter Lake to its lush green spaces and picturesque architecture, KU offers a visually appealing environment that enhances the overall collegiate experience. The campus fosters a sense of community and provides an ideal backdrop for socializing, studying, and finding inspiration.
Lastly, KU is well-known for its passionate sports culture, particularly its storied basketball program. The Jayhawks' success in NCAA Division I basketball is legendary, and the electric atmosphere at games and events creates a sense of camaraderie and school spirit that is hard to replicate.
In conclusion, the University of Kansas offers a well-rounded and fulfilling university experience. With its academic rigor, commitment to research, vibrant campus life, and strong sports culture, KU has much to offer students seeking an enriching and enjoyable time during their college years. From intellectual pursuits to personal growth and memorable experiences, KU provides an environment that can nurture and inspire students throughout their educational journey.
Brittany
04/25/2023
University is a good school. It has a pretty diverse population than people think. The people here are crazy about the football team and the men's basketball team next year. People should also go to the girl's basketball games next year because they are really, and I can see them going to the NCAA tournament next year.
Kendall
01/23/2023
Not great, they don’t care of the students education or well being and consistently insult them while making sure they pretend students do not have rights. If the instructors treated students as if they are humans then I think it could be improved quite a bit.
Ariana
10/03/2022
Overall I have really enjoyed my time here. I feel welcomed in all the organizations and the energy on campus here is amazing. Though I am typically uninterested in football and basketball, living on campus turned me into a fan! The community here in Lawrence is very welcoming and being within walking distance from Mass St. is a MAJOR plus. There are cute study spots, restaurants, and live music events every weekend!
Lawrence
08/06/2021
I’ve been wanting to attend this school since I was a kid an I can’t wait to get on campus.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for University of Kansas is 93%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
KU has always been my dream. Now I'm here and it's amazing. I'm surrounded by amazing people, a beautiful campus, and I know I'm getting the best education. I've made real connections here and it's now my home. I've been able to find myself and express myself the way I want. KU is a great place to be you, everyone gets along and everyone is treated like the best.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The worst thing about attending a big university like mine is the seperation between students and faculty. At times, it seems that our professors are more concerned with their own research and studies than the students and what they are teaching us.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
I would describe my school as being one of the most diverse and inspiring schools in the country due to the wide range of people who attend and the endless opportunities that it offers.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
People who need to be by the ocean shouldn't attend KU, since it's in the middle of the country. However, there are many study abroad opportunities and there is a lake in Lawrence!
Highly motivated and goal-oriented students are most suited for the University of Kansas. The large campus and class sizes make it easy to put atual "attendance" on the back burner, so a desire for success is a key value for students at this institution.
This is an easy one because I do attend the University of Kansas, Rock Chalk Jayhawk! Therefore, my school is definitely best known for its basketball program. Basketball here is not just a sport, it is a religion. Jayhawk fans worship KU basketball. We just recently won the national championship in 2008 and am currently ranked number one in the nation this season. We have five national championships to boast our basketball program. Infact, the inventor himself, James Naismith founded the University of Kansas's basketball program. Therefore, if KU could be described in one word, it would be basketball.
My overall opinion of this school is very high. I didn't think that a University that houses 30,000 students and is well known academic-wise as well as athletically would be able to offer opportunities to get involved for a nobody like myself. However, through networking and meeting people it hasn't been nearly as hard as I thought. The first semester my freshman year I wrote for the campus newspaper and this spring I will be helping the football team. This University is big enough to offer a plethora of opportunities, and small enough to allow you to get involved in virtually anything you are interested in.
The University of Kansas is hard to beat! The location just adds to KU. Lawrence is one of the few "college towns" left. Massachusetts Street is always buzzing, and located a short distance from campus. It offers a variety of stores and restaurant and is a very nice location for a Sunday evening stroll. If you are the outdoors type, Clinton Lake is a nice place to get in touch with nature. Whether it is taking your boat out or pitching a tent, you will be able to get away from "city life" by only driving a short distance away from the heart of Lawrence.
Overall, KU offers a unique unrivaled college experience.
General education classes are large in nature, and there is not much you can do to get around that. However, in my personal experiences I have found that professors really enjoy getting to know their students. They hold office hours and for large classes there are also TA's that hold hours if students are struggling. I think the quality of teachers and the vibe from the students varies from department to department. I am just starting to get into my major classes, and the few teachers I have had in my major seem to really engage the class. I've heard it said that once you get in your major, your classes get small and you have a lot of classes the same with other students so you get to know them well. I am a sports management major and it is evident in this program that they are focused on your career after school. In fact to graduate, your last semester is a 40 HR/week internship. I believe KU is concerned with your life after college, and through career fairs and such, they provide opportunities to prepare yourself for the "real world."
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
The most popular student activities are probably athletic events. Nothing beats going to historic Allen Fieldhouse with 16,000 of your closes friends and experiencing the best home court advantage in college basketball. The vibe of the university kind of rises and falls with athletics. However, many students enjoy other things as well. Notorious speakers are brought in and can be viewed by students for free. There are also $2 movie nights in the Union, a popular student activity. If you are looking to watch a movie, there is free cosmic bowling Friday and Saturday night at the bowling alley in the Kansas Union. This is just a handful of the many opportunities that KU presents to their students!
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
KU is known as a party school which is true of some students, but not all. Since KU is a rather large school there is a wide variety of people and groups.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
82% of students attending University of Kansas receive some sort of financial aid.
24% were awarded federal grants.46%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
