Kansas State University

Kansas State University was founded in 1858 as Bluemont Central College with 53 enrolled students. Five years later, the name changed to Kansas State Agricultural College and attained land-grant status. The university was only the second public institution of higher learning in the U.S. to admit women and men equally.

K-State is renowned for excellence in its numerous academic offerings, outstanding faculty, and ground-breaking research. More 250 undergraduate majors and options, 43 graduate certificates, 73 master's degree programs, 39 doctoral degree programs, 4 educational doctoral programs, an award-winning library, exceptional research facilities, internships, and study abroad opportunities allow students to achieve their academic and career goals.

Kansas State University’s expert faculty conduct crucial research in the university's more than 90 research centers. In addition, K-State will work hand-in-hand with the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, or NBAF, which is being constructed at the university by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The university works toward becoming a Top 50 public research university by 2025, it will remain critical to support, encourage and grow the research efforts of its faculty, staff and students.

Out-of-classroom activities are often as important as in-class experiences. K-State 360 helps navigate involvement while tracking progress, transforming students into well-rounded individuals. Activities are placed into a series of categories, guiding students toward an inclusive K-State experience and a developed skill set that will give students an edge. The university offers more than 475 student-run organizations to ensure students have what they need to succeed. They are dedicated to provide students with a customized college experience.

The Chester E. Peters Recreation Complex on the Manhattan campus offers 10,000 of weight and fitness area, as well as indoor tracks, basketball courts and more. More than 5,000 people use the rec complex every day. Each year music faculty and students present more than 150 events featuring solo, ensemble, and large group presentations for wind, string, keyboard, and percussion instruments and vocal presentations that include solo recitals, opera workshop, and choir concerts. Most events are free and take place in All Faiths Chapel or McCain Auditorium.


Kansas State University is a four-campus system that values each piece of the puzzle. Each campus has its own strengths and connections that fit perfectly within our university umbrella. K-State's main campus sits in The Little Apple, and thrives in its vibrant college-town atmosphere. The Manhattan campus encompasses more than 2,320 acres, including agricultural and research facilities. This campus is situated next door to Fort Riley, a large Army installation, and collaborates on many military-focused projects.

The Polytechnic campus is particularly known for its world-class aviation program. A state-of-the-art Student Life Center opened in 2009, and includes a full-size basketball court and various running and fitness areas. This campus is one of the first and few universities in the nation to offer a bachelor's degree in unmanned aircraft systems. Salina, a city of nearly 48,000, offers the Polytechnic campus access to more than 600 acres of park land and the annual Smokey Hill River Festival.