University of Kansas (KU) vs BYU–Provo

When it comes to higher education, University of Kansas (KU) and Brigham Young University (BYU) stand out as two distinct and reputable institutions. KU, a public research university, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, while BYU, a private university affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers a faith-based education and a strong emphasis on service. With different acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, these universities cater to different student needs and aspirations. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals, personal values, and campus culture preferences.

	Brigham Young University	University of Kansas
Overview
Location	Provo, Utah	Lawrence, Kansas
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	89.0%	85.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation	Mormon

Admission
Acceptance rate	59.2%	92.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $35 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $65
SAT range	1220 - 1440	1090 - 1330
ACT range	26 - 32	21 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	20.0%	12.0%
Students submitting ACT score	76.0%	80.0%
Total number of applicants	11,608	15,275
Total number of admissions given out	6,870	14,129
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,413	4,119
Yield rate	78.8%	29.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$20,146	In state: $25,259 Out of state: $42,127
Average net price	$13,432	$18,608
Tuition	$6,120	In state: $10,092 Out of state: $26,960
Room & board	$8,048	Room/dormitory: $6,100 Meal plan: $3,800
Available payment plans		Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	48.0% Average amount $5,867	80.0% Average amount $10,408
Students receiving federal student loan	10.0% Average amount $5,278	40.0% Average amount $5,220
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $9,371	6.0% Average amount $13,036

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	31,642 Men 48.7% Women 51.3%	19,158 Men 46.8% Women 53.2%
Graduate students	3,169 Men 54.4% Women 45.6%	7,622 Men 42.7% Women 57.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	41.5%
International students	3.6%	6.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	7,073	5,235
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Kansas Missouri Illinois Texas Colorado

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Education Health Professions Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Business Education Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	21:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	76.8%	66.0%
Dropout rate	15.6%	7.8%
Transferred out	N/A	24.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $122,288 Year 2: $119,642 Year 3: $131,537 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,326 Year 2: $87,604 Year 3: $103,770 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,071 Year 2: $86,498 Year 3: $103,443 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $82,667 Year 2: $83,848 Year 3: $99,723 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $95,117 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,340 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $93,220 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,754 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $88,329 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,199 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $86,347 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,287 Year 2: $75,989 Year 3: $85,287 Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,484 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $83,356	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $160,586 Year 2: $170,720 Year 3: $156,139 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $112,189 Year 2: $119,061 Year 3: $123,797 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,966 Year 2: $73,299 Year 3: $88,195 Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,179 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $81,042 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $78,614 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,617 Year 2: $72,625 Year 3: $77,366 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,974 Year 2: $66,001 Year 3: $73,900 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,436 Year 2: $59,722 Year 3: $72,306 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,919 Year 2: $64,990 Year 3: $68,960 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $56,347 Year 2: $53,108 Year 3: $68,650

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Kansas (KU) and Brigham Young University (BYU)?

KU is a large, public research university located in Lawrence, Kansas, known for its strong programs in journalism, architecture, and business. BYU is a private university in Provo, Utah, owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's known for its emphasis on religious values and its strong programs in accounting, law, and family studies. Key differences include religious affiliation, campus culture, and cost of attendance.
How do the academic reputations of KU and BYU compare?

Both KU and BYU are well-regarded universities. KU is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), signifying its strong research focus. BYU is known for its rigorous academic programs and high graduation rates. While KU may have a slight edge in certain research-intensive fields, BYU often excels in areas like accounting and language studies. Rankings vary depending on the specific program and ranking source.
What is the campus culture like at KU versus BYU?

KU has a vibrant and diverse campus culture with a strong emphasis on athletics, particularly basketball. It's known for its lively student life and a wide range of social activities. BYU's campus culture is heavily influenced by its religious affiliation. There's a strong emphasis on community, service, and adherence to the standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including a strict honor code.
How does the cost of attendance compare between KU and BYU?

BYU is generally less expensive than KU, especially for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who receive a discounted tuition rate. KU's tuition varies depending on residency, with out-of-state students paying significantly more. Be sure to check the latest tuition and fees on each university's website for the most accurate information.
What are the admission requirements for KU and BYU?

Both universities require a strong academic record, including high school GPA and standardized test scores (ACT or SAT). BYU also places significant emphasis on character and leadership qualities, often requiring essays and letters of recommendation that reflect these attributes. KU's admission process is generally more focused on academic performance.
What types of students are best suited for KU versus BYU?

KU is a good fit for students seeking a large, diverse public university experience with a strong emphasis on research and a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. BYU is well-suited for students who share the values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are seeking a religiously-integrated education within a close-knit community.
What are the popular majors at KU and BYU?

At KU, popular majors include Journalism, Business, Engineering, Architecture, and Education. At BYU, popular majors include Accounting, Business Management, Engineering, Computer Science, and Family Studies.
What are the athletic programs like at KU and BYU?

Both KU and BYU have strong athletic programs. KU is a member of the Big 12 Conference and is particularly renowned for its basketball program. BYU is a member of the Big 12 Conference as well and has competitive teams in football, basketball, and volleyball, among others. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity and intramural sports.
What is the location like for KU and BYU?

KU is located in Lawrence, Kansas, a vibrant college town with a lively arts and music scene. BYU is located in Provo, Utah, a city nestled in the Wasatch Mountains, offering access to outdoor recreational activities like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
What resources are available for students with disabilities at KU and BYU?

Both KU and BYU are committed to providing accommodations and support services for students with disabilities. KU's Student Access Center and BYU's University Accessibility Center offer a range of services, including academic accommodations, assistive technology, and support groups. Contact these offices directly for specific information about available resources.

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