Apply
Ready to start a K-State tradition in your own life? Follow these simple steps to apply to Kansas State University.
Graduate and online students should follow different steps to apply.
1. Review admission requirements.
Find out what it takes to join the K-State family.
New freshmen
To be considered for qualified admissions you must:
Complete the precollege curriculum with at least a 2.0 GPA (2.5 for non-residents) AND achieve one of the following:
- A 21 or higher composite score on the ACT assessment OR
- A 1060 or higher on the SAT ERW+M if taken after March 2016 OR
- 980 or higher on the SAT CR + M if taken before March 2016 OR
- Rank in the top third of your graduating class
AND, if applicable, achieve a 2.0 GPA or higher on all college credit taken in high school. Students who don't meet these requirements should apply early for full consideration. Additional information may be requested.
Review our Admissions Qualifications quick guide (pdf) for more details.
However, some K-State programs have different requirements. See our list of majors with different requirements.
If you graduated in an earlier year, see our list of previous admission requirements.
Transfer students
Students with 24 or more completed transfer hours must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all transfer course work to be admitted to the university.
Transfer students with fewer than 24 completed transfer hours must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all transfer course work but must also meet the freshman admission standards corresponding to the high school graduation year.
However, some K-State programs have different requirements. See our list of majors with different requirements.
Returning students
If you previously attended K-State and are returning after a semester or more off, you must submit an application for readmission. After receiving your application, your academic record and program requested will be reviewed. Contact our office with questions.
Home-schooled students
Students completing home-schooling in 2015 or after must confirm completion of the precollege course work and obtain a 21 or high ACT composite (980 SAT CR + M). GED or HiSET scores are also accepted and can be reviewed. See the next section for more details.
Submit a transcript describing your high school program of study. You can submit a transcript from an agency like American University, you can complete this fillable pdf, or you can make your own. Course descriptions or portfolios of your work are accepted in place of an accredited diploma.
However, some K-State programs have different requirements. See our list of majors with different requirements.
If you have encountered unusual situations that keep you from meeting the university requirements, please contact the admissions office.
High School Equivalency/GED students
For GED test takers, admission to the university requires:
- an overall score of 600 and minimum score of 150 on each subtest if you took the GED after January 1, 2014.
- a score of 510 or higher on each subtest is required if you took the GED between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2013.
- an average score of 50 or higher if you took the GED before 2002.
HiSET test takers who took the exam after January 1, 2014, must obtain an overall score of 75 and a minimum score of 8 on each subtest.
However, some K-State programs have different requirements. See our list of majors with different requirements.
High school graduates 21 or older
Students who graduated from an accredited high school who are 21 or older must submit a final high school transcript or GED scores. If you have attempted any college or university course work, you must request that official transcripts be mailed or faxed to the admissions office.
International students
The Office of International Admission and Recruiting helps international students apply to K-State.
High school concurrent enrollment
Eligible students currently in high school may take K-State courses for college credit with written approval by a high school counselor or principal. Please contact your high school counseling office for assistance in assuring concurrent (high school and college) credit will be granted and acquiring the application instructions and permission forms needed. Home-schooled students may contact us directly at 785-532-6250. After all application materials are received, the Division of Continuing Education and/or a Dean's office approves specific course enrollment for each student.
2. Apply for admission and scholarships.
Apply for scholarships at the same time you apply for admission. Nov. 1 is the priority deadline for incoming freshmen to submit their applications for K-State scholarships.
Undergraduates
If you are a high school senior, transfer student, readmit student or international student, apply for admission and scholarships all at once.
If you're interested in earning a master's degree or doctoral degree, apply now.
Online/distance learning students
If you are taking only online or off-campus courses, begin by viewing admission requirements for online and off-campus students and then apply as a degree-seeking or a nondegree-seeking student.
3. Send ACT scores, transcripts and advanced credit.
ACT and SAT scores
Take the ACT on one of the national test dates. October or December is recommended. Have your scores sent to K-State by entering the ACT college code number for K-State, 1428, on the test registration form. SAT scores may substitute for ACT scores. K-State's SAT college code number is 6334. K-State does not require the writing component of the ACT or the essay component of the SAT.
Advanced credit
If you enrolled in advanced placement or international baccalaureate programs, you may be able to earn credit.
Transcripts
Submit proof of graduation or high school transcripts. Have your high school send an official copy of your high school transcript at the time of application if you did NOT self-report your high school information. Selective programs may request an in-process high school transcript. You will be notified if a in-process transcript is required.
Have any college transcripts sent. If you have enrolled in any college courses while attending high school, have each college send an official transcript to the Office of Admissions prior to enrollment.
Student copies of transcripts, personal copies of test results and test scores noted on high school transcripts are not considered official records.
Send transcripts and documents to:
Office of Admissions
Kansas State University
119 Anderson Hall
919 Mid-Campus Drive North
Manhattan, KS 66506-0102
785-532-6393 fax
4. Apply for housing.
Join the majority of students who call campus home. If you'll be living in a residence hall, apply for housing.
You can also choose from scholarship houses, Jardine Apartments, and fraternities and sororities.
5. Apply for financial assistance.
After you apply for admission and scholarships, your next step is to see if you qualify for financial aid.
Financial aid
After you or your parents file taxes, fill out the the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. March 1 is the priority deadline for the FAFSA. K-State's federal school code is 001928.
6. Attend orientation and enrollment.
After you're accepted for admission, you'll register to attend an orientation and enrollment program. Watch your email inbox for an invitation. You'll sign up for classes and meet professors and current students at orientation and enrollment. You can also attend Wildcat Warm-up for new freshmen.
