Kansas State vs CU Boulder
The Matchup
10-12-24
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
#2 Best Quality of Life, Princeton Review
#8 Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in America, Niche.com
90+ Research Centers
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
#4 in World, Geosciences
#1 City for Green Startups (Promoleaf)
#8 in Aerospace Engineering Sciences
The Academic Matchup
Kansas State University
Community health and well-being
In response to a statewide need for more health care providers, K-State created the physician assistant program. The 27-month graduate program includes a year of classroom education and 15 months of clinical experience. K-State's first physician assistant cohort graduated in spring 2024, and they're ready to help solve a shortage of rural health care providers.
Sustainability
Vaishali Sharda, associate professor in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, is preparing Kansas farmers for future climates. Her research aims to ensure the sustainability of Kansas water resources in crop production by using computer models to generate future climate scenarios. This work gives producers the knowledge and insight needed to adjust toward climate-smart practices.
Global food security and biosecurity
Across the world, K-State researchers are changing lives through agricultural innovation. The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable Intensification, or SIIL, has four consortiums, four centers of excellence and many research projects in 13 countries. The lab aims to increase food production from existing farmland without damaging the environment.
Enabling technologies
K-State Salina and Pure Imagination Labs recently broke ground on the Kansas Advanced Immersive Research for Emerging Systems Center, or K-AIRES, a spatial computing and learning facility that will propel the state of Kansas to the forefront of the technology entertainment industry. The center will feature state-of-the-art equipment and immersive technology that will transform the educational experience.
University of Colorado Boulder
Tom Cech and mRNA
Nobel Prize recipient Tom Cech's research, particularly his discovery of the catalytic properties of RNA, has revolutionized the way scientists perceive the role of mRNA in cellular processes. His work revealed that RNA could function as an enzyme, challenging the prevailing notion that only proteins could have catalytic roles. This discovery was instrumental in understanding how mRNA molecules can influence gene expression and cellular functions, providing new insights into genetic mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.
Out of this world
The University of Colorado Boulder is a prominent center for aerospace research, known for its cutting-edge facilities and contributions to space science and technology. CU Boulder is the top public university in NASA funding and boasts 18 university-affiliated astronauts. Among the university's notable aerospace research initiatives is the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), a leading institution in the field.
Leading the way in climate awareness
In December 2022, the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit addressed the interconnectedness of human rights and climate change. CU Boulder held the first summit, which gathered some of the world's foremost human rights, scientific, political, educational, cultural and industry leaders to outline and commit to specific actions addressing the harmful effects of climate change on human rights. The second summit will take place in Oxford, England, in June 2025.
Physical sciences
CU Boulder has had four Nobel laureates in physics and JILA, one of the nation's leading research institutes in the physical sciences, and is a leader in quantum physics research.
Traditions
Kansas State University
The Wabash
The Wabash has played a vital part in K-State spirit, dating back to December 1968 when Nichols Gym burned. The fire destroyed most of the band's instruments and sheet music, but band director Phil Hewett had sheet music at his home, which included the "Wabash Cannonball." Ever since its debut three days after the fire, the song became the treasured "Wabash" tradition, which is characterized by the dancing and rocking done by the crowd during the song.
Call Hall
One of the most popular sites on the K-State campus is the dairy bar at Call Hall. The Call Hall ice cream counter serves more than 35 flavors, including its signature flavor, Purple Pride.
University of Colorado Boulder
Ralphie Running
Since 1967, CU Boulder’s live mascot, Ralphie the Buffalo, has kicked off each home football game with an electrifying run down the field, leading the way for the team.
Singing the Fight Song
For decades, Buff fans have stood "shoulder to shoulder" at campus sporting events to sing the university's beloved fight song.
Notable Alums
Kansas State University
Pete Souza, chief White House photographer for Presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama
Eric Stonestreet, Emmy-award winning actor and star of “Modern Family”
Gen. Richard B. Myers, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient
University of Colorado Boulder
Kalpana Chawla, an engineer, pilot and fallen astronaut who became the first Indian-born woman in space in 1997 aboard the shuttle Columbia
Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, technology entrepreneur, philanthropist and member of the Inventors Hall of Fame
Trey Parker and Matt Stone, co-creators of the hit animated series “South Park” who famously met in a CU Boulder film class