University of Kansas | Alexa Flash Briefing

There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. And while the media tends to focus on just a handful of schools, we at College Coach encourage students to think outside the box during their college selection process and explore a wide range of colleges, including this week’s School Spotlight, University of Kansas. The University of Kansas may be big on spirit, but that doesn’t mean students will get lost in the shuffle. With just over 19,000 undergraduates, KU provides a big school feel with an amazingly strong sense of community. First year students are especially made to feel at home through a series of welcome programs and seminars, one of which – aptly named University 101 – provides students with the ins and outs of making the most of their new collegiate environment. KU attracts many top students within the Sunflower State, but there’s a major financial incentive for out-of-towners to attend, too. Non Kansas residents can earn up to $16,000 per year (renewable for four years) if they present a top GPA and SAT/ACT scores; this is equivalent to paying in-state tuition! Known for its dedication to teaching and research, KU provides outstanding opportunities for undergraduates to pursue independent research. Students can receive a $1000 Undergraduate Research Award to conduct original research on topics as diverse as trans-affirming healthcare (in the School of Social Welfare) and microbiomes of amphibians from the Philippines (in the department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology). Fun fact: Jayhawks know how to stay busy outside of the classroom, too! There are over 550 clubs and organizations for students to get involved in, and over 80,000 hours of community service were performed by students last year.