Head-to-head · 2026
Donnelly College vs University of Kansas
Compare average net price ($11,476 at Donnelly College; $18,059 at University of Kansas), ROI score (7.78 vs 8.58), ten-year median earnings ($35,715 vs $61,945), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Donnelly College; 93.5% at University of Kansas) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Kansas has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. University of Kansas 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 | University of Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.78 | 8.58 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,476 ✓ | $18,059 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $35,715 | $61,945 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 93.5% |
| Graduation rate | 45.8% | 68.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,842 ✓ | $21,000 |
| Enrollment | 395 | 21,217 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1190 |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Kansas costs $6,583 more per year than Donnelly College ($18,059 vs $11,476). University of Kansas graduates report $26,230 higher median earnings after ten years ($61,945 vs $35,715). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Kansas ahead on projected ROI (8.58 vs 7.78, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Kansas) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Kansas reports 93.5% acceptance; Donnelly College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Donnelly College vs University of Kansas, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Donnelly College or University of Kansas the better value?
University of Kansas has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.58 vs 7.78), 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 $18,059 at University of Kansas. The annual difference of $6,583 adds up to about $26,332 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Kansas reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $61,945 vs $35,715 at Donnelly College. The annual gap in the federal data is $26,230.
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; University of Kansas reports B.