Kansas's flagship public research university, home to the Jayhawks since 1865.
The University of Kansas is a comprehensive research institution offering over 400 degree and certificate programs across multiple schools and colleges. Notable academic units include the School of Business (ranked 40th among public universities), School of Engineering (ranked 52nd), School of Nursing (ranked 25th), School of Law (founded 1878), School of Journalism and Mass Communications, and the University of Kansas Medical Center with schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Professions. The university spent $610.6 million on research in FY2025 and ranks 73rd nationally in research expenditures. KU maintains an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio and offers nearly 275 undergraduate fields of study.
The main Lawrence campus spans 1,000 acres and features iconic facilities including Allen Fieldhouse (renowned basketball arena), David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium (eighth oldest college football stadium), Watson Library, and the University of Kansas Natural History Museum (founded 1927). The university hosts the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, Spencer Museum of Art, and operates radio stations KJHK and KANU. Student life includes 16 varsity NCAA Division I sports as the Jayhawks (Big 12 Conference), plus numerous club sports and activities. The university maintains strong traditions including the Rock Chalk Chant and Jayhawk mascot rooted in Kansas's abolitionist history.
KU enrolled 31,169 students in fall 2025, including 5,040 freshmen and 13,378 out-of-state students. The university welcomes international students from 114 countries and offers pathways for freshman, transfer, and graduate admission. Approximately 93% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. KU provides need-based and merit-based financial aid, with online degree options ranked among the nation's best (special education #1, MBA #8, education #2 by U.S. News).
KU is classified as an R1 research institution with $610.6 million in annual research expenditures. The university disclosed 348 new inventions in the past five years and supports 58 active startup companies, with more than half based in Kansas. KU's research and operations support 87,693 Kansas jobs and generate $7.8 billion in annual added income for the state. The university's Cancer Center ranks in the top 1% nationally, and faculty contribute significantly to medical, engineering, and scientific advancement.