About University of Kansas
The University of Kansas (KU), founded in 1865, is a flagship public research university located in Lawrence, Kansas, United States. As a member of the Association of American Universities, KU has a rich history of academic excellence, stemming from its establishment shortly after Kansas became a state. The university's mission emphasizes transformative education, groundbreaking research, and community impact, serving over 28,000 students across its main campus in Lawrence and additional sites in Kansas City, Overland Park, and Wichita. Key achievements include Nobel Prize-winning alumni, pioneering research in areas like biosciences and aerospace, and a strong commitment to public service. KU boasts top-ranked programs in special education, city management, and pharmacy. The vibrant campus in Lawrence features iconic landmarks like the Hill and the Spencer Museum of Art. For more details, visit the University of Kansas Website. Explore academic jobs in United States and Academic Jobs in Kansas.
KU's history is marked by resilience, having survived early challenges like funding shortages to become a leader in higher education. Today, it offers more than 400 degree programs through 13 schools, including the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, School of Engineering, School of Business, and School of Law. The university is renowned for its research output, with annual expenditures exceeding $300 million, focusing on health sciences, environmental studies, and humanities. Notable for its role in advancing cancer research through the KU Cancer Center, designated by the National Cancer Institute, KU continues to innovate. Academics and job seekers can find professor ratings University of Kansas via Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, helping to identify top educators. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion enhances its appeal for faculty jobs University of Kansas and academic careers University of Kansas.
In terms of campus locations, the main campus in Lawrence spans 1,000 acres, offering a picturesque setting with Jayhawk Boulevard and modern facilities. Satellite campuses extend KU's reach, providing medical education in Kansas City and professional programs elsewhere. This setup supports a wide array of higher education jobs University of Kansas, from lecturer roles University of Kansas to research jobs University of Kansas. KU's athletic programs, particularly basketball, add to its cultural significance, fostering a strong community spirit. For those interested in University of Kansas academic opportunities, AcademicJobs.com offers tools like salary insights and career advice tailored to this institution.
Overall, the University of Kansas stands as a beacon for academic excellence, blending tradition with innovation to prepare students and faculty for global challenges. Whether you're seeking faculty positions University of Kansas or exploring salaries University of Kansas academia, KU provides a dynamic environment for growth.
Faculty Job Opportunities at University of Kansas
Faculty job opportunities at University of Kansas are abundant, reflecting the institution's status as a major research university. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor positions in STEM fields, Lecturer roles in humanities, and Research Fellow opportunities in health sciences. Based on recent trends from 2023-2025 data, KU has seen growth in hiring for departments like Engineering, where positions in aerospace and bioengineering are prominent, and the School of Medicine, focusing on clinical research. Salary ranges vary: Assistant Professors earn approximately $70,000-$90,000 annually, while Associate Professors range from $90,000-$110,000, and Full Professors can expect $120,000-$150,000 or more, influenced by department and experience (sourced from KU salary reports and sites like Glassdoor and HigherEdJobs). These figures are competitive within the Big 12 Conference and public universities. For professor positions University of Kansas, explore listings on AcademicJobs.com's Higher Ed Jobs filtered by KU.
In the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, roles in psychology and environmental studies are trending, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary research. The School of Business offers opportunities for faculty in data analytics and entrepreneurship, aligning with Kansas's economic growth. Job trends indicate a 10-15% increase in STEM hires due to federal funding boosts. Factors like tenure-track availability and research grants make these positions appealing. For lecturer roles University of Kansas, salaries start around $50,000-$70,000, often with benefits like health insurance and professional development. AcademicJobs.com highlights research jobs University of Kansas in areas like biodiversity and renewable energy. To apply, check Faculty Jobs and tailor your resume using our Free Resume Template.
KU's commitment to diversity hiring has led to more inclusive job postings, targeting underrepresented groups. Examples include Assistant Professor in Computer Science, with a focus on AI, or Research Associate in Pharmacy, emphasizing drug development. These roles often come with startup funds and collaborative opportunities. For higher education jobs University of Kansas, location in Lawrence offers a low cost of living, boosting effective salary value. Explore Research Jobs for specialized positions. Academic careers at University of Kansas provide stability and impact, with many faculty advancing to leadership roles.
To stay updated on faculty jobs University of Kansas, use AcademicJobs.com's tools, including Higher Ed Career Advice. Salary data for 2025 projects slight increases due to inflation adjustments and state funding.
Assistant Professor in Engineering 💼
Focus on aerospace at KU, salary $80,000-$95,000.
Lecturer in Business
Entrepreneurship roles, salary $60,000-$75,000.
Research Fellow in Medicine
Cancer research, salary $70,000-$85,000.
Associate Professor in Sciences
Environmental studies, salary $95,000-$115,000.
Why Work at University of Kansas
Working at University of Kansas offers unparalleled opportunities for academic careers University of Kansas, with a supportive environment for research and teaching. KU's research prowess, including affiliations with national labs, provides faculty with access to cutting-edge facilities and funding. Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and paths to administrative roles. Unique benefits include comprehensive health plans, retirement matching, and sabbaticals. The location in vibrant Lawrence fosters work-life balance, with cultural amenities and outdoor activities. KU emphasizes professional growth through workshops and collaborations, making it ideal for professor positions University of Kansas.
Faculty appreciate KU's commitment to innovation, such as in sustainable energy and health equity, aligning with global trends. Compared to peers, KU offers competitive salaries University of Kansas academia and lower living costs. Explore why via Higher Ed Jobs.
Salary Guide for Faculty at University of Kansas
The salary guide for faculty at University of Kansas reflects its status as a public research institution. Based on 2023-2025 data from KU reports, Chronicle of Higher Education, and state disclosures, average salaries are: Assistant Professors $70,000-$90,000, influenced by departments like Engineering (higher end) vs. Humanities (lower). Associate Professors earn $90,000-$110,000, with experience adding 5-10% premiums. Full Professors range $120,000-$150,000+, especially in Medicine or Law. Factors include tenure status, grant funding, and location in Kansas, where cost of living is 10% below national average, enhancing purchasing power. Additional perks like bonuses for publications can boost income by $5,000-$10,000 annually.
In comparison to similar universities, KU salaries are competitive; for instance, higher than regional peers but slightly below Ivy League. Trends show 3-5% annual increases due to state budgets and inflation. For faculty salaries University of Kansas, departments like Pharmacy offer top pay, up to $160,000 for seniors. Entry-level roles may start lower but grow rapidly with performance. Use AcademicJobs.com's Professor Salaries for detailed comparisons. Location in Kansas provides tax advantages. Overall, salaries support a comfortable lifestyle, with many faculty reporting satisfaction in surveys.
To maximize earnings, pursue grants from NSF or NIH, common at KU. Gender and diversity equity initiatives ensure fair pay. For 2025, projections indicate rises in STEM salaries due to demand. Explore more at University Salaries.
Detailed breakdowns help job seekers negotiate; for example, business faculty average $100,000, while arts hover at $80,000. Benefits like tuition remission add value equivalent to 20% of salary.
| Role 📊 | Salary Range 📍 | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $70,000-$90,000 | Engineering |
| Associate Professor | $90,000-$110,000 | Sciences |
| Full Professor | $120,000-$150,000 | Medicine |
| Lecturer | $50,000-$70,000 | Humanities |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at University of Kansas
Discover top educators at University of Kansas through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where student ratings highlight excellence in teaching and research. This platform aids in choosing courses and recognizing outstanding faculty. For professor ratings University of Kansas, check Rate My Professor.
Dr. Kevin Willmott (Film) ⭐ 4.8/5
Known for Oscar-winning work, excels in creative storytelling.
Dr. Donna Ginther (Economics) ⭐ 4.7/5
Expert in labor economics, praised for insightful lectures.
Dr. Andrew Denning (History) ⭐ 4.9/5
Engaging on European history, student favorite.
Dr. Sarah Deer (Law) ⭐ 4.6/5
MacArthur Fellow, focuses on indigenous rights.
Dr. Paul Atchley (Psychology) ⭐ 4.8/5
Research on attention, highly rated for clarity.
Dr. Jennifer Raff (Anthropology) ⭐ 4.7/5
Genetics expert, appreciated for inclusive teaching.
Career Progression at University of Kansas
Career progression at University of Kansas follows a structured path, starting from Assistant Professor to tenure as Associate, then Full Professor. Salaries increase accordingly: $70k to $150k+. Tenure-track emphasizes research output, with KU offering robust funding. Professional development includes mentoring and conferences. Strengths in biosciences aid advancement. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
University-specific factors like interdisciplinary centers accelerate careers.
Research and Innovation at University of Kansas
Research at University of Kansas focuses on biosciences, aerospace, and sustainability, with $300M+ in funding. Centers like the Biodiversity Institute drive innovation. Collaborations with NASA and NIH are key. Explore Research Jobs.
Trends include AI in healthcare and climate studies.
Resources for University of Kansas Academics
- Professional development workshops 🎓
- Faculty unions for advocacy
- Benefits including retirement and health
- Grant writing support
- Access to Higher Ed Career Advice
Student Life and Perspectives at University of Kansas
Student life at University of Kansas is vibrant, with over 500 organizations and strong athletics. Programs in engineering and arts lead to high career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include career services and scholarships via Scholarships.
Perspectives highlight inclusive community and research involvement.

