University of Kansas| KU Acceptance Rate 2025

Lawrence, Kansas, United States Of America Government Estd: 1865 Gender: Coed
Angel Youth Education TeamContent writer
Updated At : Sep 28, 2026 09:20 PM

The acceptance rate at the University of Kansas is influenced by several factors. These include the total number of applications, the specific programs applicants apply to, and the academic qualifications of the applicants. KU receives thousands of applications each year, and the volume can impact the overall acceptance rate. Certain programs, especially those in highly competitive fields such as business, engineering, and health sciences, may have a lower acceptance rate due to the limited number of spots available.

Additionally, the applicant pool’s academic qualifications play a significant role in determining acceptance rates. KU typically admits students with strong academic records, including high GPAs and test scores. The university also considers other factors like extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and personal essays. Applicants who demonstrate a strong fit with KU’s mission and academic offerings are more likely to be accepted.

Factor

Impact on Acceptance Rate

Example Criteria

Program Popularity

High demand reduces acceptance rate

Engineering, Business

Application Volume

Increased applications reduce acceptance rate

20,000+ applications

Applicant Qualifications

Higher GPA/Test Scores increase acceptance chances

GPA > 3.5, SAT > 1200

Special Program Criteria

Competitive programs have more stringent requirements

Medical, Law programs

To increase chances of acceptance, applicants should ensure they meet or exceed the academic qualifications and carefully select programs with realistic chances of admission.

University of Kansas Acceptance Rate Trends Over the Years

The acceptance rate at the University of Kansas has fluctuated over the years, with the general trend reflecting a slight decline in overall rates as the institution becomes more selective. This trend can be attributed to the increased number of applications KU receives annually. As KU continues to enhance its academic offerings and improve its reputation, more students are applying to the university, which increases competition for spots in various programs. Despite these fluctuations, KU has remained committed to maintaining a relatively high acceptance rate for undergraduate students.

Year

Acceptance Rate

Undergraduate Applications

Graduate Applications

2019

93%

18,500

3,500

2020

92%

20,000

4,000

2021

91%

21,000

4,200

2022

90%

22,500

4,300

Over the years, the acceptance rate for graduate programs has decreased as more applicants apply to specialized fields, making competition fiercer in areas like business, law, and health sciences.

When comparing the acceptance rate at University of Kansas with other similar institutions, KU stands out for its moderate selectivity. While universities like the University of Missouri or University of Nebraska might have higher acceptance rates, KU's admission process is relatively competitive, particularly for graduate and specialized programs. The university’s undergraduate acceptance rate remains higher than many peer institutions, indicating that KU is accessible for many students. However, the acceptance rate for competitive programs is more comparable to other high-ranking universities in applied sciences.

University

Acceptance Rate (Undergraduate)

Acceptance Rate (Graduate)

University of Kansas

92%

55%

University of Missouri

93%

60%

University of Nebraska

94%

58%

University of Iowa

88%

53%

KU’s acceptance rate for undergraduates places it in a favorable position when compared with other universities in the region, making it a solid choice for students seeking to further their education.

University of Kansas (KU), located in Lawrence, Kansas, is known for its diverse academic programs and rigorous admissions standards. As one of the leading public universities in the United States, KU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, engineering, and health sciences. The acceptance rate at KU reflects the competitiveness of the institution, which attracts students from all over the world. The university has maintained a balanced approach to admissions, offering opportunities to academically prepared students while maintaining high academic standards.

University of Kansas Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at KU is influenced by multiple factors, including the volume of applications received, the popularity of certain programs, and the overall academic profile of applicants. While KU generally has a relatively high acceptance rate compared to other selective institutions, it is important to note that the rates can fluctuate each year based on the applicant pool and institutional priorities. Applicants should consider the competitiveness of their chosen program and ensure they meet or exceed the required academic criteria to increase their chances of acceptance.

University of Kansas Current Acceptance Rate Statistics

The current acceptance rate for the University of Kansas varies by program and applicant demographics. For undergraduate programs, the acceptance rate typically falls in the range of 90% to 94%, making it moderately selective. Graduate programs, however, tend to have more specific admission requirements and lower acceptance rates. The overall acceptance rate is affected by factors such as the academic profile of applicants, the number of applications submitted, and the desired academic programs.

Program Type

Acceptance Rate

Total Applications

Accepted Applicants

Undergraduate

92%

20,000+

18,400+

Graduate Programs

55%

4,000+

2,200+

Engineering Programs

85%

2,000+

1,700+

Business School

70%

1,200+

840+

KU maintains a relatively high acceptance rate for undergraduates, with students from a variety of academic backgrounds able to gain admission. However, specialized programs like engineering or business have more competitive admission processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, programs like engineering and business tend to have a lower acceptance rate compared to more general programs.
The undergraduate acceptance rate at KU is approximately 92%, making it moderately selective.
KU’s acceptance rate is similar to other regional universities but slightly lower than some institutions with less competitive programs.
Factors such as program demand, application volume, and applicant qualifications play a key role in the acceptance rate.
Graduate programs at KU have more selective acceptance rates, especially in fields like business and health sciences.
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