University of Kansas (KU) vs Ole Miss

Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: the University of Kansas (KU) and the University of Mississippi (UM). While both offer exceptional academic opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. KU, nestled in the vibrant city of Lawrence, boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body from various backgrounds. UM, rooted in the historic town of Oxford, maintains a smaller student population, fostering a close-knit community. Explore the comparison table below to delve into further details, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that will guide you toward the university that best aligns with your aspirations and goals.

	University of Kansas	University of Mississippi
Overview
Location	Lawrence, Kansas	University, Mississippi
Campus setting	City: Small	Town: Remote
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	85.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	92.5%	89.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1090 - 1330	1025 - 1225
ACT range	21 - 29	21 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	12.0%	19.0%
Students submitting ACT score	80.0%	75.0%
Total number of applicants	15,275	19,531
Total number of admissions given out	14,129	17,512
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,119	3,580
Yield rate	29.2%	20.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $25,259 Out of state: $42,127	In state: $26,956 Out of state: $43,798
Average net price	$18,608	$13,528
Tuition	In state: $10,092 Out of state: $26,960	In state: $8,934 Out of state: $25,776
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,100 Meal plan: $3,800	Room/dormitory: $6,514 Meal plan: $4,628
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	80.0% Average amount $10,408	80.0% Average amount $12,666
Students receiving federal student loan	40.0% Average amount $5,220	36.0% Average amount $5,241
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $13,036	9.0% Average amount $20,037

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	19,158 Men 46.8% Women 53.2%	16,092 Men 42.4% Women 57.6%
Graduate students	7,622 Men 42.7% Women 57.3%	5,111 Men 39.1% Women 60.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	41.5%	61.3%
International students	6.8%	3.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity	5,235	5,027
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Kansas Missouri Illinois Texas Colorado	Mississippi Texas Tennessee Georgia Illinois

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Business Health Professions Education Communication and Journalism Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	66.0%	68.4%
Dropout rate	7.8%	30.5%
Transferred out	24.6%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Dentistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $83,252 Year 2: $112,488 Year 3: $127,109 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $123,875 Year 2: $117,309 Year 3: $117,890 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,925 Year 2: $88,614 Year 3: $90,158 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,391 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $73,067 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $62,435 Year 2: $58,447 Year 3: $72,798 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,284 Year 2: $59,417 Year 3: $69,021 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,417 Year 2: $67,324 Year 3: $68,473 Medicine (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $51,810 Year 2: $52,151 Year 3: $66,523 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $49,840 Year 3: $62,635 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $51,636 Year 2: $50,439 Year 3: $62,210

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Kansas (KU) and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)?

The University of Kansas (KU) and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) differ significantly in location, academic focus, campus culture, and size. KU, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is a large public research university known for its strong programs in journalism, architecture, and pharmacy. Ole Miss, situated in Oxford, Mississippi, is also a public university but with a more pronounced Southern tradition and a strong emphasis on liberal arts and law. KU tends to have a more diverse student body and a stronger focus on research, while Ole Miss is known for its vibrant Greek life and SEC athletic traditions.
Which university is larger, KU or Ole Miss?

The University of Kansas (KU) is generally larger than the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in terms of student enrollment. KU typically has a larger undergraduate and graduate student population, offering a wider range of programs and research opportunities.
How do the academic reputations of KU and Ole Miss compare?

Both KU and Ole Miss are respected public universities, but they have different academic strengths. KU is particularly well-regarded for its journalism, architecture, pharmacy, and special education programs. Ole Miss has a strong reputation in law, accountancy, and pharmacy, and is known for its Southern Studies program. The best choice depends on your specific academic interests.
What is the campus culture like at KU versus Ole Miss?

KU has a more diverse and research-oriented campus culture. It's known for its strong academic focus and a wide range of student organizations. Ole Miss, on the other hand, has a more traditional Southern campus culture with a strong emphasis on Greek life and SEC athletics. Social life at Ole Miss often revolves around these aspects, while KU offers a broader range of social activities.
How do the costs of attending KU and Ole Miss compare?

The cost of attendance can vary depending on residency status and specific programs. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition at KU might be slightly higher than Ole Miss, but it's essential to check the most recent figures on each university's website. Also, consider the cost of living in Lawrence, Kansas, versus Oxford, Mississippi, as this can impact your overall expenses.
What are the popular majors at KU and Ole Miss?

At KU, popular majors include Journalism, Business, Engineering, Education, and Health Professions. At Ole Miss, popular majors include Business, Accountancy, Integrated Marketing Communications, Biology, and Law. Your choice should align with your career aspirations and academic interests.
What are the athletic programs like at KU and Ole Miss?

Both KU and Ole Miss have strong athletic programs, but they excel in different sports. KU is renowned for its basketball program, while Ole Miss is known for its football and baseball programs. Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics, offering a vibrant sports culture for students and fans.
What are the surrounding cities like? Lawrence, KS vs. Oxford, MS

Lawrence, Kansas, is a vibrant college town with a strong arts and music scene, located near Kansas City. Oxford, Mississippi, is a charming Southern town known for its literary history, beautiful town square, and proximity to Memphis, Tennessee. Lawrence offers a more Midwestern feel with access to a larger metropolitan area, while Oxford provides a more intimate and historically rich Southern experience.
What kind of financial aid and scholarships are available at KU and Ole Miss?

Both KU and Ole Miss offer a variety of financial aid options, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and student loans. It's crucial to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine your eligibility for federal aid. Additionally, both universities offer institutional scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, and other criteria. Check their respective financial aid websites for specific deadlines and requirements.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between KU and Ole Miss?

Both KU and Ole Miss offer career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career development. KU, being closer to Kansas City, may offer more internship opportunities in certain industries, particularly in journalism and engineering. Ole Miss, with its strong business and law programs, may have more opportunities in those fields, especially within the Southern region. Research the specific career services offered by each university and consider your desired career path.

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