Head-to-head · 2026
Kansas State University vs Pittsburg State University
Compare average net price ($19,406 at Kansas State University; $15,784 at Pittsburg State University), ROI score (7.38 vs 8.01), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($57,262 vs $50,579), and admissions selectivity (81.7% acceptance at Kansas State University; 89.4% at Pittsburg State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Kansas State University | Pittsburg State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.38 | 8.01 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $19,406 | $15,784 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $77,624 | $63,136 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $11,221 | $8,400 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $28,568 | $19,744 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $57,262 ✓ | $50,579 |
| Acceptance rate | 81.7% | 89.4% |
| Graduation rate | 71.1% ✓ | 56.6% |
| Retention rate | 85.6% ✓ | 77.2% |
| Median debt | $21,250 | $18,969 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 15,142 | 4,210 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1151 | 1050 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Kansas State University | Pittsburg State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $13,178 | $11,968 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $14,143 | $11,453 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,369 | $14,676 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $20,110 | $18,873 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $23,665 | $20,237 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Kansas State University | Pittsburg State University |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 7% | 10.7% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.1% | 11.2% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 0.9% | 6.8% |
| Marketing | 3.5% | 2.9% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 4.8% | 1.3% |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | 0.1% | 5% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 2.8% | 1.7% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | 0.5% | 3.9% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Pittsburg State University reports the lower average net price by $3,622 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $14,488 difference over four years ($63,136 vs $77,624).
Kansas State University reports $6,683 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($57,262 vs $50,579). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 85.6% at Kansas State University and 77.2% at Pittsburg State University. Median federal debt among completers is $21,250 vs $18,969, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Kansas State University vs Pittsburg State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Pittsburg State University is cheaper — average net price $15,784 per year vs $19,406 at Kansas State University. The annual difference of $3,622 adds up to about $14,488 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Kansas State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $57,262 vs $50,579 at Pittsburg State University. The gap in the federal data is $6,683. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Kansas State University is more selective at 81.7% acceptance vs 89.4% at Pittsburg State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.