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University of Kansas

1450 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA

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University of Kansas award
University of Kansas award
US ranking
position: 49
Tuition & fees per year: $12,453
Acceptance rate: 88.00%
Median alumni salary: $48,168
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1210 SAT, 25 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What does University of Kansas offer in terms of athletics?

University of Kansas features a vibrant athletics program known for its long-standing tradition and competitive spirit. The university competes in NCAA Division I and is a member of the Big 12 Conference, which places it among the top-tier collegiate athletic programs in the United States.

Sports opportunities span a wide range including basketball, football, baseball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field, among others. Its basketball team, in particular, holds a storied reputation with multiple national championships and a history of producing professional-level talent. This prominence attracts athletes aspiring to compete at high levels.

The campus provides extensive athletic facilities aimed at supporting both varsity athletes and those interested in fitness and recreational sports. Students benefit from access to well-maintained stadiums, training centers, and wellness programs designed to promote physical health alongside academic success.

Beyond varsity sports, the university encourages involvement in club and intramural athletics, giving a broad spectrum of students opportunities to participate in team sports, develop skills, and foster community engagement. This inclusive approach helps cultivate school spirit and active lifestyles across the student body.

Overall, the athletics program at University of Kansas not only prioritizes competitive excellence but also emphasizes personal development, teamwork, and leadership skills, which are valuable aspects for prospective students considering a balanced collegiate experience.

What student groups and Associations are available at University of Kansas?

The University of Kansas provides opportunities for student involvement through various social organizations. Approximately 15% of male students and 24% of female students participate in these groups, reflecting a significant portion of the student body engaged in extracurricular social activities. With total enrollments of 9,158 men and 10,480 women, the university fosters community and connection beyond the classroom through these associations.

Who studies at University of Kansas?

The University of Kansas attracts a diverse and substantial student body, with fresh high school enrollees numbering 5,259, placing the university in the top 5% nationally for incoming freshmen size. Transfer students also form a significant group, totaling 1,170, which is considered high compared to other institutions. Overall, the student population is very large, with a total new enrollment of 6,429 students, ranking again in the top 5% for volume.

The institution hosts a wide age range among undergraduates, primarily between 18 and 21 years old, but there is a notable presence of older students as well. Graduate students tend to be older, predominantly between 22 and 49 years old, reflecting varied career stages and educational goals. The total student age distribution shows a substantial mix of younger and mature learners, creating a multi-generational academic environment.

Diversity on campus is marked by a strong representation of various ethnic groups. Asian students constitute the largest segment by a significant margin, with 14,708 individuals, marking the university as being among the highest in this demographic. Pacific Islanders also have a very high presence with 1,204 students. Other ethnic groups, including Hispanic (1,271), African American (910), and those identifying with two or more races (587), are represented at average to high levels compared to peers nationwide. White students number 2,297, while Native American students total 21, both figures near the median range. An additional 127 students fall into unknown racial categories.

Regarding residency status, the university sees a balanced yet complex mix. In-state students account for a lower proportion, making up 55% of the student body, which is somewhat below average nationally. Meanwhile, out-of-state students form 43%, which is notably high, suggesting the university's appeal beyond Kansas borders. Almost all students are citizens of the United States, with 98% classified as domestic, a figure well above average. International representation is more limited, comprising only 2% of students, positioning the university in the lower 40% for global diversity.

How does student life look like at University of Kansas?

Student life at University of Kansas offers a vibrant and well-rounded campus experience. The campus spans approximately 1,000 acres, providing ample space for academic, recreational, and social activities. Students have access to a variety of cultural and artistic opportunities, including campus drama productions, a band, a chorus, as well as radio and television outlets, all of which contribute to a dynamic campus atmosphere.

Support services for students are robust, with resources such as legal services, a health clinic, psychological counseling, and a dedicated veterans affairs office available on campus. Additionally, the university maintains a women's center to support the needs of its female student population.

The university supports a large student body, with nearly 30,000 students enrolled, reflecting a diverse and active community. The student-faculty ratio stands at 17 to 1, which is considered favorable and suggests students can expect meaningful interaction with instructors.

University of Kansas also fields NCAA-affiliated athletic teams, adding to the campus spirit and opportunities for student involvement in sports, either as athletes or spectators. The presence of a campus newspaper further encourages student engagement with campus life and current events.

What libraries are available to students at University of Kansas?

University of Kansas offers students access to a robust library system anchored by Watson Library. Beyond this primary library, there are eight additional libraries on campus, placing the university in the top 5% nationally for number and variety of library facilities.

The combined library system houses approximately 6,377,790 books, ranking it within the top 5% for sheer volume of physical collections. Students also benefit from an extensive range of subscriptions, with 171,407 available, again within the top 5% nationally.

Digital resources include over 1,853,650 ebooks, which places the university's collection among the top 10% for electronic books. However, the number of digital subscriptions and databases is more moderate, with 289,091 digital subscriptions (top 40%) and 1,952 databases (below the 50th percentile).

The libraries maintain a total of 131 weekly service hours, provide physical and digital access to their resources, and offer study rooms to support student collaboration and research. While all-day access is not available, the staff are well-trained, and established opening hours are consistently maintained. The university also participates in shared collection access, enhancing resource availability beyond its immediate holdings.

University of Kansas Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

29792

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

5269

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1453 full time, 371 part time

Veterans affair office

Yes

University of Kansas Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Watson Library

Number of libraries on campus

9

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

University of Kansas Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

University of Kansas Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

University of Kansas Location & Map