By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva

Kansas State University rose 14 places in the latest federal research rankings, reaching No. 121 nationally and No. 77 among public universities with $264.9 million in research and development spending in fiscal year 2024. The increase represents a 21.5% jump from the previous year—nearly three times the national growth rate for research universities.

The rankings come from the National Science Foundation’s annual Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey, which tracks research spending at more than 900 U.S. colleges and universities and serves as a key federal benchmark for academic research activity.

University leaders say the growth reflects expanding research capacity and the ability to turn grant funding into active projects supported by faculty, students, facilities and partnerships. K-State previously ranked No. 114 in fiscal year 2020 and No. 135 in fiscal year 2023 before rising again this year.

Research at K-State focuses on areas such as food and agriculture, biosecurity, engineering, education and the humanities, with work addressing issues including agricultural resilience, water resources, health and economic development.

Major contributors include the College of Veterinary Medicine and collaborations with the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, along with research programs in the colleges of Agriculture and Engineering. The university’s research spending is approaching its $300 million goal outlined in the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan. “This achievement speaks to the spirit of discovery that defines Kansas State University,” said Richard Linton, university president. “Every day, our faculty, staff and students pursue research that matters — work that strengthens Kansas and reaches far beyond it. Their dedication is fueling remarkable momentum as we grow our research enterprise toward $300 million annually and continue building a future shaped by innovation, integrity and shared purpose.”