University of Kansas (KU)

Located in the heartland's quintessential college town of Lawrence, University of Kansas's flagship campus is a "place of tradition" as well as opportunity, combining "stimulating academics with a community that is passionate about the school." Most of KU's 2,800 faculty members are "actively engaged in research in their particular field," but there is nonetheless a real emphasis on undergraduate teaching. Here, "the faculty is obviously willing to do what it takes to help," and "teachers are always urging students to contact them with questions or visit their office hours." An undergrad details, "The personalities and teaching styles of KU's professors vary widely, but all of the instructors I have had are fully engaged in teaching and truly enjoy helping students learn." That said, "there are a lot of giant lecture halls your freshmen and sophomore year," which some students find "overwhelming." On the flip side, the big-school setting proffers "abundant resources," including "research opportunities" for undergraduates and "one of the best study abroad programs in the nation." In fact, many say, "The experience outside of the classroom is what sets you up for success after college." Speaking of life after graduation, KU's "career center is committed to getting students hired," and "there are many job opportunities" in nearby Topeka and Kansas City. To make the deal sweeter, KU graduates aren't strapped with insurmountable debt: "In-state tuition is very affordable."

Students say you'd be surprised by the diversity on this friendly Midwestern campus, lauding the KU's "ability to unite 30,000 people of different values and backgrounds." There are "students from every county in Kansas, every state, and over 100 countries," with noticeable representations from out-of-state cities like St. Louis and Denver mixing into the large instate crowd. "KU students find a great balance in work and play," with some undergrads tipping the scales in one direction or the other: "You have your 'here for a good time' types, absolutely rock-star scholars, and dedicated students who balance their GPA and their social calendar." In terms of making friends and fitting in, getting involved is the best way to mitigate the campus's size: "There are so many opportunities at KU that it can seem a bit overwhelming, but students really find their niche and run with it." Of particular note, "there is definitely a big Greek life presence" on campus, which some say causes a "schism" in the undergraduate community. In counterpoint, a student reassures us, "The Greek community does intermingle frequently with non-Greeks. I'm not Greek, but I see it a lot and have a lot of Greek friends."

In the pursuit of an "incredible college experience," KU undergrads definitely keep busy: "The typical student probably volunteers in the community, has a part time job, [and] has some special hobby (from rock climbing to tightrope walking)." Incoming freshman will find more than 500 student groups in which to participate, ranging from "Quidditch to chess club to the arts," and "there is never a dull night" on campus, where "Student Union Activities brings in comedians, authors, and movies on a regular basis." During the winter months, "KU basketball is our religion, and Allen Fieldhouse is our church." An undergrad admits, "I schedule everything in my life around the KU men's basketball schedule, as does much of the student population." Described as "the perfect college town," "Lawrence has a great live music scene, cool coffee shops, and eclectic stores," as well as bars and nightclubs popular with students. "People in Lawrence are also very outdoorsy," and, when the weather is nice, "you can rent camping equipment from the rec for a weekend out at the lake" or "go rock climbing" nearby. For a more cosmopolitan outing, "being close to Kansas City provides a lot of entertainment from museums and art shows to music and dining."