K-State vs New Mexico State University-Main Campus (NMSU)
Kansas State University and New Mexico State University-Main Campus, both public research universities, offer distinct educational experiences. Kansas State, located in Manhattan, Kansas, boasts a higher acceptance rate (84%) compared to New Mexico State's 73%. Kansas State's student body is more diverse, with a larger international student population. In terms of academics, Kansas State excels in engineering, agriculture, and business, while New Mexico State is known for its engineering, nursing, and education programs. Both universities offer a vibrant campus life with various student organizations and NCAA Division I sports teams. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two universities. Explore the table to find the institution that best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Kansas State University |
![]() New Mexico State University-Main Campus |
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Overview |
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Location | Manhattan, Kansas | Las Cruces, New Mexico |
Campus setting | City: Small | Suburb: Midsize |
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 | 86.0% | 72.0% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 95.6% | 57.3% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$65
|
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$40
|
SAT range | N/A | 920 - 1140 |
ACT range | N/A | 17 - 23 |
Students submitting SAT score | 36.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 33.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 9,822 | 12,535 |
Total number of admissions given out | 9,391 | 7,177 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 2,848 | 2,013 |
Yield rate | 30.3% | 28.0% |
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) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$23,866
Out of state:
$39,937
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In state:
$22,010
Out of state:
$38,476
|
Average net price | $19,874 | $11,397 |
Tuition |
In state:
$9,489
Out of state:
$25,560
|
In state:
$6,041
Out of state:
$22,507
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,200
Meal plan:
$4,900
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Room/dormitory:
$6,507
Meal plan:
$4,900
|
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
88.0%
Average amount $6,774 |
98.0%
Average amount $11,518 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
41.0%
Average amount $5,095 |
30.0%
Average amount $3,491 |
Students taking out private loans |
5.0%
Average amount $14,579 |
2.0%
Average amount $10,115 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
15,619
Men 50.3% Women 49.7% |
11,231
Men 41.9% Women 58.1% |
Graduate students |
4,610
Men 38.7% Women 61.3% |
2,673
Men 38.9% Women 61.1% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Low
|
Out-of-state students | 21.8% | 29.0% |
International students | 5.4% | 5.1% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | Suburb: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 5,696 | 3,384 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Kansas Missouri Texas Nebraska Colorado | New Mexico Texas Arizona California Colorado |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 19:1 | 15:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 68.4% | 50.4% |
Dropout rate | 9.3% | 45.8% |
Transferred out | 20.4% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Food Science and Technology (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Architectural Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Agricultural and Food Products Processing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Industrial Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Engineering Technology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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