Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus vs University of Kansas
- Oklahoma-Norman Campus Wins
- 31
- Tied
- 17
- Kansas Wins
- 4
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $15,300 vs University of Kansas's $18,059, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Oklahoma-Norman Campus
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $63,126 ten years after enrollment, 2% more than University of Kansas
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,300, roughly $2,759 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 75% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,654, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 77% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Kansas
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Oklahoma-Norman Campus graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (26% of degrees); Kansas in Business & Marketing (23%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick University of Oklahoma over University of Kansas. Median earnings of $63,126 ten years after enrollment vs $61,945.
Pick University of Oklahoma over University of Kansas. Net price $15,300 vs $18,059.
Pick University of Oklahoma over University of Kansas. 75% completion rate vs 69%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Oklahoma and University of Kansas are close on paper, but University of Oklahoma wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Oklahoma is the harder admit. It takes 77% of applicants, while University of Kansas takes 93%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,246 to 1,190.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Oklahoma sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Oklahoma comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,300, about $2,759 a year below University of Kansas's $18,059. Graduates of University of Oklahoma also borrow less: median debt of $20,654, against $21,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $11,036 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Oklahoma leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Oklahoma graduates report median earnings of $63,126, compared with $61,945 at University of Kansas. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Oklahoma has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.33x to 0.34x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
University of Oklahoma graduates a larger share of its students, 75% versus 69%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Oklahoma to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. University of Oklahoma concentrates enrollment in Communications, while University of Kansas leans toward Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Oklahoma-Norman Campus competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $18,059 runs well above University of Oklahoma's $15,300.
- Engineering-focused students: University of Oklahoma has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Kansas offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Oklahoma-Norman Campus does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, OK · Public
The University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus is a solid choice for students looking for a well-rounded education in a vibrant community. With an acceptance rate of 77%, it welcomes a diverse range of students, making it a fitting option for those interested in popular fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Psychology. It's a place where you can dive deep into your studies while also enjoying a campus life that encourages connection and growth.
After graduation, students can expect to earn around $63,126 within ten years, which provides a good benchmark for potential financial stability. This figure suggests that graduates can find meaningful employment opportunities that lead to upward mobility. The cost of attending is quite manageable, especially when considering the support available for students. With a significant portion of the student body receiving Pell Grants, affordability is a key factor for many who choose this path.
When we look at the financials, the net price after aid stands at $15,300, which is reasonable compared to many institutions. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $20,654, a figure that falls within a manageable range for many. Success here often comes to those who are proactive and engaged, whether in their academic pursuits or in the numerous extracurricular activities available. It's a supportive environment where students can thrive both personally and professionally.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS · Public
With an acceptance rate of 93%, the University of Kansas is an accessible option for many students seeking a solid education. It's a great fit for those interested in practical fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, Health Professions, Psychology, and Communications. The campus vibe in Lawrence is lively, and students here appreciate a blend of academic rigor and a supportive community.
After graduation, students can expect to earn around $61,945 within ten years. That’s a strong figure that suggests many graduates find their footing in the job market. Affordability is also a key consideration; the net price after aid is about $18,059, making it a reasonable choice for many families. While 20% of students receive Pell Grants, which helps low-income students, the potential for upward mobility is an important factor for many.
When it comes to financial outcomes, the median debt sits at $21,000, which is manageable for most graduates. Students who thrive here typically embrace the collaborative spirit and take advantage of the diverse programs available. Those who are proactive about their education and engage with the community often find success both during and after their time at the university.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Kansas is featured on the Best Computer Science Colleges in Kansas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 26% of Oklahoma-Norman Campus's student body and 23% of Kansas's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Oklahoma-Norman Campus) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Kansas).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Oklahoma is strongest in Communications, while University of Kansas concentrates in Health Professions. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Oklahoma or University of Kansas?
University of Oklahoma is harder to get into, admitting 77% of applicants compared with 93% at University of Kansas.
Which is more affordable, University of Oklahoma or University of Kansas?
University of Oklahoma is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,300 after aid versus $18,059 at University of Kansas.
Do University of Oklahoma or University of Kansas graduates earn more?
University of Oklahoma graduates earn more: median earnings of $63,126 ten years after enrollment, versus $61,945 at University of Kansas.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Oklahoma or University of Kansas?
University of Oklahoma has the higher graduation rate, 75% versus 69%.
Should you choose University of Oklahoma or University of Kansas?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Oklahoma if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Oklahoma-Norman Campus and Kansas stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
