Kansas State University (K-State), established in 1863, is a leading U.S. public research university located in Manhattan, Kansas, and part of the Kansas Board of Regents system. Over the years, it has grown into a comprehensive research university with more than 20,200 students, including 1,100+ international students from over 100 countries.
K-State offers over 165 graduate programs and 250+ undergraduate degrees. Kansas State University top programs include MS in Computer Science, M.S. in Agricultural Economics and M.S. in Data Science. Many of its graduate programs are research-oriented and come with opportunities for assistantships and funding.
Kansas State University QS Ranking 2025 is #901–950 globally. It’s also ranked #152 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report 2025, #1 in Kansas by University Magazine 2024, and #1 for Best Quality of Life by Princeton Review 2023.
For graduate international students at the Manhattan campus, the total estimated annual cost is $39,000, which includes $21,042 in tuition and mandatory fees, and around $17,958 for other expenses such as books, transportation, housing, and personal costs.
For undergraduate international students, total annual costs vary based on living arrangements. Students living on campus can expect to pay approximately $48,246, including $30,388 in tuition and fees and $13,652 for housing and meals. Those living off campus may see slightly reduced expenses at about $44,174, mainly due to lower off-campus housing costs.
Table of Contents
Below is a list of top graduate programs, including application deadlines, eligibility, and application fees:
| Program | Deadline (Spring/Summer/Fall 2026) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| M.S. in Computer Science | Aug 1, 2025 / Dec 1, 2025 / Jan 8, 2026 | 70–75% in UG, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 58 |
| M.S. in Data Analytics | Aug 1, 2025 / Dec 1, 2025 / Jan 8, 2026Document Deadlines: Sep 15, Jan 15, Feb 15 | 70–75% in UG, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 58 |
| M.A. in Engineering Management | Aug 1, 2025 / Dec 1, 2025 / Jan 8, 2026 | 70–75% in UG, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 58 |
| M.S. in Agricultural Economics | Aug 1, 2025 / Dec 1, 2025 / Jan 8, 2026Document Deadlines: Sep 15, Jan 15, Feb 15 | 70–75% in UG, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 58 |
| M.S. in Industrial Engineering | Aug 1, 2025 / Dec 1, 2025 / Jan 8, 2026 | 70–75% in UG, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 58 |
Kansas State University Acceptance Rate is moderate, around 80%, making it accessible for most qualified applicants. The university offers three intakes annually-Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Kansas State University IELTS Requirement:
To be eligible for admission, all applicants whose native language is not English must submit proof of English proficiency. Kansas State University accepts scores from TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE Academic. The minimum acceptable scores are:
These scores must be no older than 18 months from the application deadline. Students applying for Graduate Teaching Assistantships must meet higher speaking standards, which vary by department.
To apply as a freshman (first-year undergraduate student), you must meet the following:
English Proficiency Policy
K-State allows students to apply without English test scores, but you must meet English proficiency standards before course enrollment. Choose one of the three options below:
Option 1: Take the WildCAT English Test
Kansas State University is ranked #901–950 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. It continues to grow in global recognition, especially in agriculture, engineering, and life sciences. According to University Magazine (2024), it is ranked the #1 University in Kansas.
K-State is also recognized for delivering a strong student experience. The Princeton Review (2023) ranked it #1 in the U.S. for Best Quality of Life. In national rankings, the U.S. News & World Report 2025 placed Kansas State University at #152 among National Universities, showing solid academic performance across disciplines.
| Ranked By | 2025 Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #901–950 |
| U.S. News & World Report (National Universities) | #152 |
| University Magazine (Top in Kansas) | #1 in Kansas |
| Princeton Review (Best Quality of Life) | #1 in the U.S. |
| Subject Area | QS 2025 Rank |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Science | #49 |
| Agriculture & Forestry | #48 |
| Life Sciences & Medicine | #401–450 |
Explore: Kansas State University Rankings
Housing & Living:
Student Life Center (SLC):
For student activities, there is a 33,000-square-foot Student Life Center, equipped with:
Group fitness sessions, including kettlebell workouts, circuit training, and yoga, are free for students and Student Life Center members. Personal training is also available for both students and non-members.
Cessna Lounge
The Cessna Lounge provides recreational space with:
Outdoor Recreation
The campus features an 18-hole disc golf course that loops around the Student Life Center, offering a scenic and interactive recreational outlet for students.
Clubs and Student Organizations
Kansas State University hosts 20+ student-led clubs and organizations, including:
Student Resources & Support
Students have access to a wide range of academic and personal support services:
Campus Essentials
Explore: K-State Gallery
Kansas State University offers a number of competitive scholarships to support international students enrolled in full-time degree programs. These scholarships are generally awarded in the spring semester for use in the following academic year. Most scholarships provide partial tuition assistance and are based on factors such as academic performance, financial need, and campus involvement.
To apply, students typically need to submit an online application, faculty/staff recommendation, and short personal essays. While some scholarships are open to all international students, others are available for only specific backgrounds, such as African or Taiwanese students.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Preference | Award Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| OIP Scholarship | Must have completed at least 1 semester at K-State and be returning next year | Outstanding academic performance | Awarded in Spring |
| International Student Center Scholarship | Open to all international students | Financial need | Awarded in Spring |
| K-State Alumni Association Scholarship | Current degree-seeking UG/PG students at Manhattan, Polytechnic, or Olathe campuses | Leadership & international involvement | Awarded in Spring |
| William L. Richter Scholarship | International students in any curriculum with academic potential | Financial need | Awarded in Spring |
| Philip & Jeune Kirmser Scholarship | Non-resident undergraduate students with financial need | First preference to African students | Awarded in Spring |
Kansas State University also offers graduate assistantships to help international students manage their costs. These roles come with a monthly stipend and often include tuition reductions. Most assistantships require students to work 20 hours per week.
Applicants can apply for assistantships while submitting their graduate application. Many positions are offered directly by academic departments. Others are posted on Handshake (K-State’s official job and internship platform) or shared in the Graduate Student Newsletter.
Assistantship Type | Main Work | Where it’s offered |
|---|---|---|
GTA (Teaching) | Help with teaching, grading, or labs | Academic departments |
GRA (Research) | Support faculty-led research | Research projects |
GA (Administrative) | Assist with data, student services, or admin work | Non-academic offices |
Assistantships are usually given for 9 or 12 months. Graduates must maintain good academic standing to keep them.
Kansas State University Placement Rate Trends
| Academic Year | Employment Rate | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | 97% | $53,500 |
| 2022–23 | 96% | $57,000 |
| 2023–24 | 96% | $58,000 |
Kansas State University Placement Rate is maintained at 96% placement rate within six months of graduation. Median starting salaries rose from $53,500 (2021–22) to $58,000 (2023–24). Most graduates stay in Kansas or nearby states. Over 1,700 employers hired K-State grads, including top firms like Cargill and Garmin.
Ques: Is Kansas State a good university?
Ques: What is the Kansas State University Acceptance Rate?
Ques: How much is Kansas State University fee for international students?
Ques: What is Kansas State University best known for?
Ques: What is the Kansas State University Application Fee?
