Head-to-head · 2026
Donnelly College vs Kansas State University
Compare average net price ($11,476 at Donnelly College; $19,406 at Kansas State University), ROI score (7.78 vs 7.38), ten-year median earnings ($35,715 vs $57,262), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Donnelly College; 81.7% at Kansas State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Donnelly College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Donnelly College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Donnelly College | Kansas State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.78 ✓ | 7.38 |
| Avg net price | $11,476 ✓ | $19,406 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $35,715 | $57,262 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 81.7% |
| Graduation rate | 45.8% | 71.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,842 ✓ | $21,250 |
| Enrollment | 395 | 15,142 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1151 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Kansas State University costs $7,930 more per year than Donnelly College ($19,406 vs $11,476). Kansas State University graduates report $21,547 higher median earnings after ten years ($57,262 vs $35,715). On EduGradify's model that puts Donnelly College ahead on projected ROI (7.78 vs 7.38, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Donnelly College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Kansas State University reports 81.7% acceptance; Donnelly College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Donnelly College vs Kansas State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Donnelly College or Kansas State University the better value?
Donnelly College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.78 vs 7.38), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Donnelly College is cheaper — average net price $11,476 per year vs $19,406 at Kansas State University. The annual difference of $7,930 adds up to about $31,720 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Kansas State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $57,262 vs $35,715 at Donnelly College. The annual gap in the federal data is $21,547.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Donnelly College reports a B value grade; Kansas State University reports C.