Best Colleges in Kansas for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Kansas College Guide – What You Need to Know

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Kansas has a large number of colleges and universities. There are more than 60 degree or certificate granting institutions in the state of Kansas. Thirty-seven of the state’s colleges and universities are accredited. Many of these schools are located in the big cities including Topeka, Wichita, and Kansas City. Some colleges are small, specialized, or vocational organizations. Kansas has some of the leading schools in the nation including the flagship University of Kansas and Kansas State University.

Students can find many types of learning environments among accredited Kansas schools, and they can select from a wide range of major courses of study. There are nine public schools offering four-year degrees at in-state rates. There are small faith-based schools, private schools like Benedictine College, and innovative schools with unique approaches like Pittsburg State University. The state has invested in promoting the STEM fields, and the state schools have a long record of leadership in traditional areas like agricultural science.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Kansas?

Kansas has a long tradition as an agricultural state, and its schools are among the nation’s highest-ranked schools of agricultural science. However, the Information Age has changed the nature of education and the market for employment after graduation. In the computer-driven economy, technological innovation and change dominate nearly every sector of the economy. Business degrees are the popular entryway into a wide range of modern occupations and business is the most popular major and has the largest number of degrees conferred. The humanities fields and healthcare are in the second tier of degrees, followed by education and engineering. The computer sciences also rank high in the list of popular degrees.

The below-listed items describe the most popular bachelor’s degrees in Kansas:

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Kansas

The facts are clear that education impacts salary. Whether gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Census Bureau, or the Department of Education, the average annual income rises with the worker’s level of education. When compared to a high school graduate, a worker with a bachelor’s degree makes about $17,500 more per year and earns an additional one million dollars over the course of a lifetime of earning.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

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Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Kansas

According to statistics, Kansas will see slow steady growth in the agriculture sector. Construction and home building will also rise at a slow rate. The computer-based and information technology occupations should show strong growth as Kansas’ economy continues to modernize and innovate. Business employment will continue at a strong pace of growth as will professional and financial services.

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Five Best Scholarships for Kansas Undergraduate Students

Education and healthcare should continue to show strong performance in the state economy. These areas are part of a broader national trend, as healthcare expands to greater numbers of users and the aging US population requires a larger number of healthcare workers and a new mix of skilled nurses, and elder care professionals.

Top Business Management Careers and Salaries

Business fields involve preparation for managers, executives, and specialists that plan and carry out organization functions. They include studies in marketing, accounting, auditing, and finance.

Humanities fields of study include English and foreign language, literature, the arts, performing arts, and media. Other arms of the grouping include religious studies and philosophy.

Health professions and related health occupations describe licensed medical doctors, specialists, and psychiatrists. The category also includes support roles like technicians, sonographers, and MRI operators.

Education has fields of study that prepare graduates for teaching and education research.

Engineering fields cover large and small scales of application of mathematics, science, and materials. They involve mechanical, electrical, nuclear, and aeronautical studies among many others.

Top Careers in Business

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Chief Executives 3,620 $155,300
Operations Managers 18,340 $66,100
Sales Managers 3,200 $61,500
Administrative Managers 1,910 $59,600
Purchasing Managers 580 $67,900

Best Kansas Schools for Business

  • University of Kansas
  • Kansas State University
  • Baker University
  • Benedictine College
  • Wichita State University

Top Education Careers and Salaries

Business Teachers at the postsecondary level prepare students for senior-level responsibility in corporate and other business organizations.

Special Education Teachers at the Preschool level work with the youngest learners at the most critical stage of their development. Special education teachers provide a way to detect learning difficulties at the earliest stages for the best outcomes in treatment.

Substitute Teachers in Kansas are the necessary talent pool to provide continuity in elementary and high school instruction. The State provides a special licensing category for substitute teaching that can accept graduates with teaching and related degrees.

Librarians are skilled professionals that apply systems of organization and presentation for books, materials, documents, and records. Librarians can work in public and private settings including law firms, corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Teacher Assistants provide in-class assistance and support services for classroom teachers and school administrators. Teacher assistants require less education than a teaching professional.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Pre-school Teachers 2,210 $32,700
Elementary School Teachers 16,340 $46,400
Substitute Teachers 10,310 $29,200
High School Teachers 12,310 $50,300
Teacher Assistants 19,320 $23,300

Best Kansas Schools for Education

  • Kansas State University
  • Emporia State University
  • University of Kansas
  • Benedictine College
  • Baker University

Top Engineering Careers and Salaries

Electrical Engineers create and develop systems that operate on electricity. The solve problems on large and small scales in devices, power systems, structures, and machines.

Computer engineers develop and test computer hardware systems. They work closely with the design and programming functions to develop hardware arrangements that meet the purpose of the overall system of hardware and software.

Mechanical Engineers develop and maintain machines and devices. They design and plan tools, engines, and mechanical systems of all types. They oversee mechanical systems for problem-solving, upgrading, maintenance, and repair.

Civil Engineers oversee the planning, design and construction of buildings, commercial structures, and facilities. They work on the essential infrastructure including roads, railways, harbors, power plants, pipelines, bridges, and tunnels.

Industrial Engineer work on systems and processes for managing and controlling commercial production. The factors include human operators, logistics, and materials.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Electrical Engineer 1,960 $76,400
Computer engineer 300 $75,100
Mechanical Engineer 2,800 $71,400
Civil Engineer 2,100 $67,100
Industrial Engineer 3,030 $68,300

Best Kansas Schools for Engineering

  • Kansas State University
  • University of Kansas
  • Wichita State University
  • Pittsburg State University
  • Newman University

Top Health Professions Careers and Salaries

Dietitians and Nutritionists study the effects of diet on health and wellness. They advise patients on maintaining and improving health through a balance of healthy eating and activity.

Pediatricians are medical doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating illness disease and conditions in young children.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors that have additional and concentrated training in psychological and psychosomatic conditions. Psychiatrists can specialize and perform essential research on medical-social issues such as drug and alcohol addiction.

Physician Assistants are highly trained medical professionals that can perform many of the functions of a general practitioner. They work in hospitals, clinics, and medical office settings. In managed healthcare, they can perform as a primary care provider.

Occupational Therapists provide therapy to persons recovering from accident, illness, or injury to restore strength, movement, and other physical abilities.

Registered Nurses provide patient care in clinics, hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. They supervise the work of LVNs, LPNs, and Nurse Assistants.

Healthcare administrators oversee the operations at healthcare facilities, also known as healthcare managers. They are responsible for developing healthcare systems that focus on community health, despite the fact that they are rarely in contact with patients. A healthcare administrator's job involves many different duties to ensure smooth operations.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Dietitians and Nutritionists 500 $50,600
Pediatricians 90 $154,400
Psychiatrists 110 $212,200
Physician Assistants 1,050 $97,800
Occupational Therapists 1,480 $66,600
Registered Nurses 30,370 $65,500

Best Kansas Schools for Health Professions

  • University of Kansas
  • Baker University
  • Newman University
  • Kansas State University

Top Humanities Careers and Salaries

Curators are skilled professionals that manage artistic properties such as collections, displays, and facilities. They manage studios, museums, and arts educational facilities.

Librarians use their knowledge of educational materials classifications to preserve print and provide access to various forms of media. They manage digitization and computer-based information storage and retrieval systems for research, scholarly activities, and public benefit.

Art Directors are skilled professionals that perform work to present visual and other types of media for maximum appreciation.

Graphic Designers create visual and other types of media presentations they include books, packaging, promotions, and print advertising.

Public Relations Specialists design and carry out presentations and messages intended to reach a desired target group of the population.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Curators 120 $50,900
Librarians 1,790 $50,800
Art Directors 400 $68,300
Graphic Designers 2,420 $45,900
Public Relations Specialists 1,870 $49,500

Best Kansas Schools for Humanities Professions

  • Wichita State University
  • Emporia State University
  • Kansas Wesleyan University
  • University of Kansas
  • Kansas State University

Additional Careers in Kansas

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The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Kansas

Job Title Growth Percentage Average Wage Jobs in 2024
Interpreter -Translator 37.8% $35,100 1,020
Logistics Coordinator 29.9% $70,000 1,520
Meeting Planner 27.7% $46,200 1,200
Home Health Aide 23.8% $24,000 7,590
Physician Assistant 21.7% $97,400 1,120
Web Developer 21.5% $58,500 1,580
Business Analyst 21.3% $77,900 4,330
Software Engineer 20.8% $99,300 3,480
Substance Abuse Counselor 20.0% $35,600 1,020
Human Resources Manager 19.2% $101,000 1,240

Best Associate Degrees in Kansas

Best Associate Degrees in Kansas
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Starting a career with a two-year associate degree is a terrific strategy that allows students to enter a field before committing to a full four-year bachelor’s degree. Since some of the best colleges in Kansas happen to be community colleges, students are wise to take advantage of a local college's small class sizes and affordable tuition. Here are some of the best associate degree programs in the state.

Colby Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,410		 Graduation Rate
54%		 Net Price
$9,655 		Grads Salary
$32,800
Cowley County Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,463		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$7,168 		Grads Salary
$34,700
Hutchinson Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,315		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$7,673 		Grads Salary
$33,800
Seward County Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,837		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$8,042 		Grads Salary
$37,100
Pratt Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,181		 Graduation Rate
41%		 Net Price
$9,525 		Grads Salary
$42,200
Fort Scott Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,827		 Graduation Rate
39%		 Net Price
$4,971 		Grads Salary
$31,800
Coffeyville Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,758		 Graduation Rate
41%		 Net Price
$6,183 		Grads Salary
$30,400
Dodge City Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,513		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
$7,248 		Grads Salary
$34,000
Highland Community College-Highland
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,866		 Graduation Rate
37%		 Net Price
$6,554 		Grads Salary
$31,800
Garden City Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,892		 Graduation Rate
37%		 Net Price
$6,408 		Grads Salary
$31,500
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Best Bachelor's Degrees in Kansas

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Kansas
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Bachelor’s degrees are widely considered to be the best launchpad for a terrific career. A four-year bachelor's degree also forms a foundation for a graduate degree. Some of the best colleges in the state of Kansas provide bachelor’s degree programs as well as a variety of other degree options. Keep reading to discover some of the best colleges with bachelor’s degrees in the state of Kansas.

Kansas State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
21,719		 Graduation Rate
68%		 Net Price
$18,494 		Grads Salary
$69,000
University of Kansas
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
27,552		 Graduation Rate
63%		 Net Price
$20,054 		Grads Salary
$69,300
Baker University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,595		 Graduation Rate
62%		 Net Price
$23,243 		Grads Salary
$71,300
Wichita State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
15,342		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$14,357 		Grads Salary
$67,100
Pittsburg State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,645		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$14,006 		Grads Salary
$63,000
Fort Hays State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
15,033		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$13,379 		Grads Salary
$63,600
University of Saint Mary
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,240		 Graduation Rate
56%		 Net Price
$22,029 		Grads Salary
$69,600
Washburn University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,285		 Graduation Rate
51%		 Net Price
$14,198 		Grads Salary
$60,100
Newman University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,205		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$18,545 		Grads Salary
$68,600
Emporia State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,877		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$14,437 		Grads Salary
$61,600
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Best Master's Degrees in Kansas

Best Master's Degrees in Kansas
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Once a professional has enough experience, they can start considering earning a master’s degree or even attending a doctoral degree program in Kansas. Many firms require a master’s degree before they promote or recruit people for their C-suite positions. If you’re looking to become a CEO, CFO, or CIO, etc. review the following master’s degree programs or MBA programs in Kansas here.

Kansas State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
21,719		 Graduation Rate
68%		 Net Price
$18,494 		Grads Salary
$69,000
University of Kansas
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
27,552		 Graduation Rate
63%		 Net Price
$20,054 		Grads Salary
$69,300
Baker University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,595		 Graduation Rate
62%		 Net Price
$23,243 		Grads Salary
$71,300
Wichita State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
15,342		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$14,357 		Grads Salary
$67,100
Pittsburg State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,645		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$14,006 		Grads Salary
$63,000
Fort Hays State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
15,033		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$13,379 		Grads Salary
$63,600
University of Saint Mary
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,240		 Graduation Rate
56%		 Net Price
$22,029 		Grads Salary
$69,600
Washburn University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,285		 Graduation Rate
51%		 Net Price
$14,198 		Grads Salary
$60,100
Newman University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,205		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$18,545 		Grads Salary
$68,600
Emporia State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,877		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$14,437 		Grads Salary
$61,600
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Cost of kansas College Education & Salaries

The citizens of a state pay taxes and fees that support public colleges and universities. The in-state tuition structure favors state residents and recognizes their ongoing support for the public institutions of higher learning. When admitting out-of-state residents, a school usually charges a rate that reflects the full cost of the education. The differences between the in-state and out-of-state rates can be significant. When selecting a program for a college degree, public schools offer a price advantage over private schools, and in-state rates have the most favorable pricing structure for residents.

The Midwest Student Exchange Program is an example of state cooperation to benefit students and permit wider access to education. The Midwest Student Exchange Program is an agreement among participating public schools to charge lower out-of-state rates to the students from member states. The agreement limits out-of-state tuition to 150% of the in-state rate or lower. For example, a Michigan student seeking to enter an agricultural science program at Kansas State University could attend at a rate close to the Kansas in-state rate. The student realizes annual savings of thousands of dollars while gaining access to a prominent national educational program.

Some private schools also participate in the Midwest Student Exchange program. While they do not restrict fees to 150% of the in-state rate, private schools offer substantial discounts to students from participating states. The discounts can be as high as 10% of tuition and required fees.

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College Cost Analysis - Kansas vs. National

Average Kansas Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $8,941

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition– $23,302

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Nationally 66% of students get financial aid.
In Kansas, 67% of students get financial aid.

Federal and state grants are the preferred type of student financial assistance because students do not have to repay the funds. Federal loan programs through accredited universities and colleges can fill out the unmet need for most students. Students must repay loan funds, and the starting salary for graduates is important to students that must manage student debt after graduation.

Kansas ranks at number 35 for the average amount of financial aid to recipients, with the Kansas average being below the national average. However, Kansas is slightly above the national average in grant fund percentage. Grant funds benefit students in their pursuit of a degree and in reducing student debt after graduation.

Financial Aid Kansas Nationally
Received Federal Grants 39% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $9,878 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Kansas

Among the major ways of funding a college education, scholarships and grants should rank high on every list. These funds can fill out the need portion of a student budget plan. Grants and scholarships differ from loans in that students do not have to repay the funds after graduation. Scholarships and grants reduce the amounts that students and families need to pay out of pocket or borrow.

Kansas students should search for federal, state and private grants and scholarships. The Kansas state government has a grant program and some special purpose scholarships that students should review. Nursing and teaching majors can get scholarships that require service after graduation; these programs seek to fill needs in the state labor force while assisting students to complete their nursing and teaching educations at Kansas schools.

CFF

Capitol Federal, Higher Education Scholarship Grants

https://capfed.com/community/capfed-foundation/education-scholarships
Amount: Set by participating schools
Deadline: Set by Participating Schools
The Capital Federal Foundation provides grants to participating schools that can award student scholarships. The awards support Kansas residents that pursue degrees in business fields of study at participating colleges and universities. The participating institutions are the Emporia State University, Kansas State University, University of Kansas, Washburn University, and Wichita State University. Eligible students must be Kansas residents that reside in the Capital Federal Market area and have a minimum 3.35-grade point average on a four-point scale. The scholarships are awarded in a lump sum annually and are renewable up to four years.

KCG

Kansas Comprehensive Grant

https://www.kansasregents.org/scholarships_and_grants
Amount: $200 - $3,500 based on need
Deadline: April 1
The Kansas government provides grant funds on the basis of need to Kansas residents pursuing degrees at any one or more of the state’s colleges and universities. The state funds may be adequate to award about one-third of all applicants. Applicants must be enrolled full-time at one of the eighteen private colleges and universities located in Kansas, the six state universities, or Washburn University. Applicants must submit the FAFSA and list one or more eligible colleges in the FAFSA submission. The range of awards is from $200 to $3,500 at private schools and from $100 to $1,500 at public schools.

KEMS

Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship

https://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/Students/Student_Financial_Aid/EthnicMinority2019-2020.pdf
Amount: Up to $1,850
Deadline: May 1
The Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship seeks to aid students on the basis of need. The program focuses on students that are African American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic. The scholarship recognizes the barriers faced by these groups and seeks to remedy under-representation in college attendance.

KSS

Kansas State Scholarship

https://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/Students/Student_Financial_Aid/State2019-2020.pdf
Amount: Up to $1,000 per year
Deadline: May 1
Kansas high school seniors that rank in the top percentiles in academic achievement can be designated for a Kansas State Scholarship. Based on need, the student can receive $1,000 per year for up to four years or five years if enrolled in a five-year program. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and carry a full-time course load of 14 semester hours or more. Eligible scholars must take the required high school coursework (the KSC Curriculum), complete the ACT exam, and get an official certification from an authorized school official.

KTSS

Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship

https://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/Students/Student_Financial_Aid/Teacher2019-2020.pdf
Amount: Up to $5,536 (varies)
Deadline: May 1
The State of Kansas offers scholarship assistance to teaching students that agree to serve as teachers in underserved areas and in subject areas of need. The terms of service are roughly one year of teaching for each year of scholarship up to the number of years that scholarships were awarded. The awards cover undergraduate work, graduate work, and graduate study towards degrees or certifications in underserved subjects.

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