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Kansas State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as K-State
Kansas State University accepts 82% of applicants. It is a public university in Manhattan, Kansas, with about 15,142 undergraduates. The sticker price is $25,231 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $18,210.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for K-State?
Admitly estimates a typical Kansas resident needs about a 3.1 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.5 for admission to be likely (80%+).
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into Kansas State University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1160, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Kansas resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 42% Target | 18% Reach |
| 2.7 | 42% Target | 18% Reach |
| 3.0 | 50% Target | 23% Reach |
| 3.3 | 72% Target | 43% Target |
| 3.5 | 82% Likely | 58% Target |
| 3.7 | 90% Likely | 72% Target |
| 3.9 | 94% Likely | 83% Likely |
| 4.0 | 96% Likely | 87% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at Kansas State University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $25,231 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $12,700 | $27,900 |
| $50k – $100k | $13,500 | $28,800 |
| $100k – $150k | $19,300 | $34,600 |
| $150k – $250k | $25,000 | $40,300 |
| Over $250k | $25,200 | $42,600 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about Kansas State University
What is the acceptance rate at Kansas State University?
Kansas State University admits 82% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into Kansas State University?
Admitly estimates a typical Kansas resident needs about a 3.1 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.5 for admission to be likely (80%+). This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Kansas State University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1060–1260 on the SAT and 20–27 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does Kansas State University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $25,231 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $18,210 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $12,700 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at Kansas State University?
71% of students finish their degree, and 86% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to Kansas State University
- University of KansasLawrence, KS · admits 93%
- Towson UniversityTowson, MD · admits 82%
- Montana State UniversityBozeman, MT · admits 82%
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI · admits 81%
- Bowling Green State UniversityBowling Green, OH · admits 81%
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia, PA · admits 80%