Kansas State University

Updated August 7, 2020

Under the Morrill Act, Kansas State University was established in 1863 as the first land-grant agricultural college. As the third oldest Big 12 school, KSU initially admitted 26 men and 26 women on a campus once occupied by Blue Mont Central College. By 1928, Kansas State was welcomed into the elite Association of American Universities (AAU). It now stands as a flagship public, doctoral-granting RU/VH research institution with land-grant and space-grant status. KSU enrolls more than 24,100 students across nine divisions, including the College of Engineering. Endowed for over $488 million, K-State has a main 668-acre urban campus in Manhattan, Kansas, with extensions in Salina, Olathe, and online.

According to the U.S. News, Kansas State University is the 146th best national college and 77th top public school. In particular, KSU is recognized for America's 100th best graduate engineering college and 90th top computer engineering programs. Forbes ranked K-State as the 146th top research university nationwide. The Princeton Review noted KSU for the country's fourth happiest students and 17th most religious student body. Graduates from Kansas State University are the Sunflower State's highest paid with a $372,000 ROI according to PayScale. Washington Monthly crowned KSU the 212nd best university in the United States for social mobility and service.

Kansas State University Accreditation Details

Continuously since 1916, Kansas State University has been reviewed by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA). Every 10 years this regional agency reaffirms under the U.S. Department of Education's approval. The College of Engineering is specially accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Both the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) and Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) extend their program acceptance.

Kansas State University Application Requirements

Even though Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 94 percent, master's programs are much more selective. Graduate applicants to the College of Engineering must hold at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited, four-year institution. Having a major in engineering, physics, mathematics, or another related science field is required. Master's programs mandate a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Engineering students must have passed the Graduate Record Exam within the last five years. Preference is given to those scoring at least 145 verbal and 155 quantitative. Non-U.S. students must achieve a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 85.

Graduate application deadlines are January 8th and August 1st each year. Interested students applying to Kansas State University must submit the following:

Online K-State admission form
$50 non-refundable application fee
Copies of post-secondary transcripts
At least two recommendation letters
Satisfactory GRE score reports
Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
Professional resume or CV
One-page personal goals statement (optional)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time graduate students from Kansas will pay $3,756 per semester or $7,270 annually. Non-resident master's students are charged $8,063 each semester or $15,885 per full-time year. Part-time graduates can pay $478 (in-state) or $956 (out-of-state) per credit hour. College of Engineering courses add a faculty salary surcharge of $35 and equipment fee of $19 per credit hour. Campus privilege fees can total a maximum of $419 each semester. On-campus KSU students spend approximately $3,650 on housing and $2,225 for meal plans each semester. Budgeting at least $900 for textbooks and supplies is suggested. Total annual cost of full-time attendance will be around $22,496 (in-state) and $36,575 (out-of-state).

The NCES reports that 84 percent of beginning, full-time K-State students earn tuition assistance. Financial aid packages are worth an average of $5,187. Master's students can borrow Federal Direct Unsubsidized, Perkins, and Grad PLUS loans with interest. Flexible monthly payment plans are available via Kansas State University's OSFA. Financially needy students may receive the Eisenhower Grant. In-state residents may qualify for the Kansas Comprehensive Grant for $1,500. Full and partial tuition waivers are granted for graduate teaching, administrative, and research assistantships. Veterans benefits are available with the Yellow Ribbon Program. Many employers provide tuition assistance with service commitments. Institutional awards, such as the James B. Pearson Fellowship, KSU Minorities in Engineering Scholarship, and Study Abroad Scholarship, are also numerous.

Master's of Engineering Degree(s) Available

At Kansas State University, the top-ranked College of Engineering grants 11 master's programs in engineering disciplines. Eight of these degrees are given online through the KSU Global Campus. Six graduate certificates can be added in topics like Air Quality, Complex Fluid Flows, and Transportation Engineering. Despite enrolling over 480, the College maintains a student-faculty ratio of 19:1 for close interaction. Hands-on research at state-of-the-art facilities like the Center for Sustainable Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Institute supplement class instruction. Available master's degrees include:

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

Kansas State's M.S. in Civil Engineering program offers a 30-credit, broad-based curriculum to prepare graduates for advanced management in consulting or public agencies. Students select from five specializations in Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation and Materials Engineering, or Water Resources Engineering. The campus-based program has a master's thesis or capstone project, but online students take extra electives and pass a final exam.

Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Available on-campus in Manhattan or online, the M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering is ideal for KSU students pursuing advanced computing positions or doctoral studies. The 30-credit curriculum can be specialized in Biomedical Systems, Communications and Networks, Embedded Systems Applications, or Power and Energy Systems. Fully accredited by the ABET, the research-oriented degree includes a master's thesis or comprehensive exam. Graduates are qualified for becoming quality control engineers, systems design engineers, project engineers, reliability engineers, and more.

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

Featuring a 30-credit, ABET-accredited curriculum, the M.S. in Chemical Engineering program is structured for working professionals to study online via the Kansas State Global Campus. For 16 weeks, online courses will consist of video lectures, readings, and interactive discussions. The only campus trip to Manhattan will be for the comprehensive exam. Courses will explore reaction engineering, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, hazardous waste engineering, air quality, and polymer science. There's also a concurrent B.S./M.S. program for qualified juniors.

Graduate students at Kansas State University could also pursue their Master of Science in Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Operations Research, or Software Engineering.