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Kansas State University (KSU) and Wichita State University (WSU) have both improved their positions in the latest U.S. News & World Report national rankings, marking a positive trend for two of the state’s leading public institutions.
The annual report evaluates schools based on key performance indicators such as graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and class sizes.
Kansas State University: National Rank Climbs to 165
Located in Manhattan, K-State moved up from 170th place last year to 165th in the national rankings, maintaining its position as the second-highest ranked university in Kansas. The university also ranked:
- 91st in the Top Public Schools category
- 130th in the Best Value Schools category
Kansas State boasts a 47% four-year graduation rate, an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 47% of its classes have fewer than 20 students—a factor that positively influences learning outcomes and individualized instruction.
Wichita State University: Significant Improvement in National Standing
Wichita State, based in Wichita, made a notable jump in the national rankings, improving from 332nd last year to a tie at 296th this year. It is now third in Kansas and ranks:
- 161st among Top Public Schools
WSU reports a 31% four-year graduation rate, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 48% of its classes contain fewer than 20 students.
University of Kansas: Slight Drop but Still Leading in the State
The University of Kansas (KU), located in Lawrence, remains the top-ranked university in the state, despite dropping one spot nationally from 151st to 152nd. KU is ranked:
- 81st in Top Public Schools
- 96th in Best Value Schools
KU has a 54% four-year graduation rate, a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 42% of its courses have fewer than 20 students.
Baker University: Decline in National Rank
Baker University, a private institution, saw its ranking drop from 345th to 371st in the national list. Despite the decrease, Baker maintains a strong academic environment, with:
- A 47% four-year graduation rate
- A 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 76% of its classes with fewer than 20 students
About the Rankings
The U.S. News & World Report annually ranks 436 national public universities, using data-driven indicators like graduation and retention rates, class size, and faculty resources.
The rankings are widely regarded as a benchmark for assessing academic quality across the United States.
While K-State and Wichita State gained ground in this year’s rankings, KU and Baker University saw slight setbacks. No official comments were provided by any of the institutions regarding their positions.
With Kansas State University and Wichita State University showing measurable improvement in national rankings, the spotlight is on academic performance, student engagement, and institutional value.
As higher education in Kansas evolves, these results highlight progress and areas for growth among the state’s top colleges and universities.