Kansas State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Kansas State University?

Kansas State University demonstrates a relatively strong overall graduation performance, with a six-year graduation rate of 70%, placing it in the top 25% of comparable institutions. This rate suggests that a significant majority of students complete their degrees within six years. The university's retention rate is also high, at 87%, ranking in the top 20%, indicating effective student support and commitment to continued enrollment after the first year.

When examining four-year graduation rates, Kansas State University sees a more moderate outcome at 47%, which is classified as average and falls near the median among peer schools. This suggests that while nearly half of the students graduate within the traditional four-year span, a substantial portion require more time to complete their studies.

Breaking down graduation rates by gender, female students achieve a higher success rate, with a 74% graduation rate overall, compared to 67% for male students. Both rates are strong and reside within the top 25% nationally, reflecting consistently better completion outcomes for women across the campus.

These figures underscore Kansas State University's strengths in guiding students toward degree completion, particularly over extended timelines beyond four years, and highlight a positive trend in female student graduation outcomes compared to their male counterparts.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Kansas State University?

Kansas State University offers a diverse range of degree programs with varying earning potentials for its graduates. Those who pursue degrees in engineering and technology-related fields tend to earn the highest salaries. For example, graduates with degrees in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Engineering report average earnings of $71,780 and $72,147 respectively. Similarly, Computer Engineering and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering graduates earn $70,776 and $68,831 on average.

Other engineering disciplines also provide strong financial prospects. Architectural Engineering graduates earn around $68,390, while Construction Engineering Technologies and Agricultural Engineering holders see earnings of $65,948 and $57,356 respectively. Mechanical Engineering alumni earn an average of $65,670, showcasing solid returns across engineering fields.

Computer Science and Information degrees are lucrative as well, with Computer and Information Sciences graduates earning $67,854 and Information Science/Studies graduates close behind at $65,745. This trend highlights the value of technical skills in the current job market.

In the agricultural and natural resources sectors, earnings vary but are generally moderate. Degrees in Agricultural and Food Products Processing stand out with $66,969 on average. Agricultural Mechanization and Food Science and Technology graduates earn $51,141 and $54,044 respectively, indicating reasonable salary prospects in these areas.

Business-related programs show competitive earnings. Accounting and Related Services graduates average $51,995, and graduates in Management Information Systems and Services earn $53,192. Business Administration and Finance degrees yield earnings in the mid-$40,000 range, while Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations graduates earn around $43,211.

Humanities and social sciences tend to have lower average earnings. For instance, Communication and Media Studies graduates receive about $35,824, while Political Science and Government graduates earn $38,005 on average. Psychology and related fields report earnings between $29,529 and $30,336.

Degrees in math and biological sciences reflect modest income levels. Mathematics graduates earn approximately $43,358, while Biology graduates average $27,147. Other science-related degrees such as Microbiological Sciences and Immunology report average salaries near $30,530.

Graduates in education-related fields show earnings typically under $40,000, with Teacher Education and Professional Development (specific levels and subjects) earning around $37,947 and $38,712 respectively. Nutrition Sciences graduates earn approximately $36,001.

Overall, Kansas State University prepares students for a wide spectrum of careers with earnings ranging from the mid-$20,000s to over $70,000, depending largely on the chosen field of study. Prospective students focusing on engineering, computer science, or specialized agricultural programs may find the most substantial financial returns after graduation.