Kansas State University (KSU), located in Manhattan, Kansas, is a prominent public research university known for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Established in 1863, KSU has a rich history and is recognized for its diverse range of programs and strong emphasis on agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. The university's mission is encapsulated in its motto, "To foster the development of each student as a whole person." This philosophy is reflected in the campus culture, which encourages collaboration and innovation among students and faculty.

KSU boasts a vibrant campus life, with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic programs that foster a sense of community and school spirit. The university's facilities are state-of-the-art, including the K-State Student Union and various research centers that support cutting-edge studies. Additionally, KSU has a strong focus on providing a supportive environment for its students, with comprehensive services ranging from academic advising to mental health resources. The university's commitment to research and community service prepares graduates for successful careers, with a high employment rate among alumni. KSU continues to be a leader in higher education, making significant contributions to the state of Kansas and beyond.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Kansas State University

Kansas State University, as a public institution, has shown notable trends in several key metrics over the years. One of the most significant observations is the steady increase in both in-state and out-of-state tuition fees. For instance, in-state undergraduate tuition rose from approximately $8,585 in 2014 to $10,942 in 2024, marking a significant increase of nearly 28%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition has surged from $21,530 to $27,816, a staggering increase of nearly 29%. This trend reflects the broader national concern regarding rising college costs, which can affect enrollment rates and accessibility for students from different socio-economic backgrounds.

Another crucial metric is the graduation rate, which has demonstrated a positive trajectory. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates has improved from about 25.5% in 2013 to approximately 40.4% in 2023. This increase of nearly 59% indicates effective academic support and resources being provided to students, potentially enhancing the university's reputation and attractiveness to prospective students.

Retention rates also paint a positive picture, with retention among undergraduates increasing from 80.3% in 2013 to 86.2% in 2023. This improvement suggests that students are finding their experiences at Kansas State fulfilling, which is essential for long-term institutional success.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, hovering around 18 to 20 students per faculty member. Maintaining a low student-to-faculty ratio is critical for ensuring personalized attention and quality education, which can further contribute to improved graduation and retention rates.

In conclusion, while rising tuition poses a challenge, the improvements in graduation rates and retention signify Kansas State University is effectively supporting its students, which may counterbalance concerns related to affordability.

Analysis of Graduate Data at Kansas State University

The graduation data from Kansas State University reveals intriguing insights into the diversity of academic disciplines and the international student demographic. Notably, the fields of Marketing and Finance stand out as significant contributors to the undergraduate population, with 156 and 129 graduates respectively. This trend underscores the continuing demand for expertise in business-related areas, reflecting broader economic trends where marketing and finance skills are highly sought after in the job market.

In contrast, the Veterinary Medicine program highlights a strong appeal at the doctoral level, with 121 graduates, indicating the program's robust reputation and the increasing interest in animal healthcare professions. The presence of four international doctoral graduates further illustrates the program's global reach and attractiveness to foreign students.

The data also emphasizes the lack of associate and bachelor graduates in certain fields, such as Architecture and Education, which may indicate a preference for advanced degrees or a potential gap in entry-level training programs. Interestingly, the presence of international students in these disciplines remains minimal, suggesting that these programs may not be as appealing to non-domestic students or that they encounter barriers to entry.

Overall, this set of data not only reflects the academic focus of Kansas State University but also provides insight into the evolving landscape of higher education and international student enrollment trends. As markets continue to evolve, institutions may need to adjust their offerings to meet the changing demands of both domestic and international students.

Analysis of Admission Trends at Kansas State University

Kansas State University has seen fluctuating rankings and admission rates over the years. The latest ranking for 2025 stands at 165, indicating a slight improvement from the previous year. This reflects a gradual recovery from the lower rankings observed in recent years, such as the low of 170 in both 2021 and 2024. Examining the admission rates, the acceptance rates for male and female applicants have shown a generally high percentage, with rates hovering around 94% to 98% during the earlier years. However, there has been a noticeable decline in the overall acceptance rate over the last decade, dropping to approximately 94.5% for males and 95.6% for females in 2023. This decline in acceptance rates coincides with a decrease in enrollment figures, which peaked in 2009 at 3981 students but has since dropped to 2909 in 2023. The number of applicants denied admission has also been significant, with thousands of students being turned away each year. For instance, in 2023 alone, 472 applicants were denied admission, highlighting the competitive nature of the university’s admission process despite the high acceptance rates. The trends observed may reflect broader changes in higher education, such as shifting demographics and increased competition among universities. Additionally, the impact of global events and economic factors on student enrollment choices cannot be overlooked. As Kansas State University continues to navigate these challenges, its ability to maintain and improve its ranking will be crucial for attracting prospective students in the coming years.

Trends in Admissions Data at Kansas State University

The admissions data for Kansas State University from 2007 to 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding standardized test scores and their submission rates. Over the years, while the number of students submitting ACT scores has remained relatively high, there has been a noticeable decline in the proportion of students submitting SAT scores, particularly from 2009 onwards. This shift might reflect broader trends in college admissions where many institutions have adopted test-optional policies, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing debate on the fairness and relevance of standardized testing.

Specifically, the percentage of students submitting ACT scores remained robust, peaking at 91% in 2008, which illustrates the ACT's enduring popularity among applicants to the university. In contrast, the data shows that only around 9% of students submitted SAT scores in the years following 2009, indicating a significant decline in SAT participation.

Moreover, the provided score ranges for the SAT reading and math sections and the ACT composite score indicate a consistent performance among admitted students, with the 25th percentile scores suggesting a competitive admissions environment. The data points to a steady range for SAT scores, specifically from 490 to 630, which underscores the importance of strong academic performance for prospective students.

In conclusion, the evolving landscape of college admissions at Kansas State University illustrates the shifting preferences of students towards standardized testing, along with the continued importance of academic achievement in the admissions process. This trend aligns with national movements toward reconsidering the role of standardized tests in higher education.

Student Composition at Kansas State University in 2023

The student body at Kansas State University in 2023 reflects a diverse and balanced demographic. Notably, the incoming undergraduate freshmen have a near-equal gender distribution, with approximately 49.6% of them identifying as male and 50.4% as female. This trend of gender balance continues into the undergraduate junior category, where males constitute 50.4% and females 49.6%. Such parity in gender representation is encouraging and highlights the university's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

In contrast, the figures for transfer students and graduate students reveal a skew towards female representation, with females making up 53.8% of transfer students and a significant 61.5% of graduate students. This could indicate that female students are increasingly pursuing higher education and making use of transfer opportunities, potentially reflecting broader societal shifts towards gender equity in education.

Moreover, the demographic breakdown among various racial and ethnic groups shows that white students comprise a substantial portion of the student population. However, the university's commitment to diversity is essential, especially in light of ongoing discussions about representation in higher education. The inclusion of underrepresented groups is vital for creating a well-rounded educational environment and preparing students for a diverse workforce.

Overall, the data suggests that Kansas State University is making strides towards gender equality and diversity among its student population, though continued efforts will be necessary to maintain and enhance this progress in the coming years.

Demographic Trends in Student Age Composition at Kansas State University

The age distribution of students at Kansas State University reveals significant insights into the demographics of its academic community in 2023. The largest groups are found within the traditional college age range of 18-21, where undergraduates significantly outnumber graduate students. This is indicative of a healthy influx of young students entering higher education, which aligns with national trends showing a rise in college enrollment among young adults.

Interestingly, the percentage of male undergraduates in the 18-19 age category constitutes approximately 48% of the total male student body, while female undergraduates in the same age bracket represent about 51% of the total female population. This slight female majority among undergraduates reflects broader societal trends where more women are pursuing higher education than men.

As we move toward older age brackets, a noticeable decline in student numbers occurs. The 22-24 age group still maintains a significant presence, but the subsequent categories (25-29 and beyond) indicate a shift, with a growing number of graduate students in the 25-29 range. This suggests an increasing trend of older students pursuing advanced degrees, possibly reflecting career changes or the desire for further specialization in their fields.

Moreover, the data highlights the challenges of attracting and retaining older students, particularly those in their 30s and 40s, where enrollment drops sharply. This demographic shift may necessitate universities to consider tailored programs or flexible learning options to accommodate the needs of non-traditional students.

Overall, Kansas State University’s age composition underscores the dynamic nature of higher education, where traditional pathways coalesce with emerging trends that cater to a diverse student body seeking academic growth at various life stages.

Analysis of International Student Trends at Kansas State University

The data from Kansas State University over the years reveals significant fluctuations in the number and percentage of international students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. The undergraduate population of international students has seen a gradual rise from 1.21% in 2004 to a peak of 7.22% in 2015, showcasing a growing interest in the programs offered by the university. However, this trend has reversed in recent years, with the percentage declining to just 2.21% in 2023, reflecting a broader trend observed across many U.S. institutions, potentially influenced by changing immigration policies and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

In contrast, the percentage of international students in graduate programs has remained relatively higher, peaking at 23.51% in 2004 and showing a decline to 14.18% by 2023. This decline may indicate increased competition among universities for international graduate students or shifts in global student mobility patterns.

The overall trend suggests a need for Kansas State University to reevaluate its strategies to attract and support international students, especially in light of the current global landscape. The decreasing numbers could impact the university's cultural diversity and its global reputation. It is crucial for institutions to adapt to these changes, perhaps by enhancing outreach efforts, providing more scholarships, or creating supportive environments for international students.

Here are some notable universities surrounding Kansas State University:

1. University of Kansas - Ranked 152 in the 2025 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing research and community engagement.

2. Creighton University - With a rank of 121, Creighton is known for its strong emphasis on health sciences and liberal arts education, providing a well-rounded academic experience.

3. University of Missouri-Columbia - This comprehensive university is ranked 109 and is recognized for its research opportunities and diverse academic offerings, making it a significant institution in the region.

4. University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Also ranked 152, this university is noted for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and the sciences, along with a vibrant campus life.

5. University of Iowa - With a ranking of 98, the University of Iowa is famous for its writing programs and strong emphasis on research across various disciplines.

These institutions contribute significantly to the educational landscape in the region, offering diverse programs and opportunities for students.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Kansas State University

The crime statistics from Kansas State University over the years reveal significant fluctuations in the number of offenses per 1,000 students. From 2013 to 2015, the average crime rate hovered around 10.4 to 10.67 incidents per 1,000 students, indicating a concerning trend of higher crime levels during this period. However, a notable decline occurred in 2016 and 2017, where the rate dropped to 7.29 and 7.07 respectively. This decrease could reflect effective campus safety measures or changes in student behavior.

The years 2018 and 2019 saw a resurgence in crime rates, reaching 8.57 and 10.35, respectively. These spikes may correlate with broader societal issues, such as the increased prevalence of substance abuse or domestic violence that have been reported nationally. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in a further drop to 7.64 incidents, likely due to reduced campus activity and enforcement of social distancing measures.

Interestingly, 2021 marked a significant low point with only 5.56 incidents per 1,000 students, suggesting that the university may have successfully implemented strategies to enhance safety. However, the figures rose again in 2022 to 8.55, indicating ongoing challenges. The most recent data from 2023 shows a slight decrease to 7.14, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.

Overall, while there have been periods of both improvement and deterioration in crime rates at Kansas State University, the fluctuating statistics emphasize the importance of ongoing crime prevention initiatives and community engagement to foster a safer campus environment. For more details on crime rate calculation methods, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.