Best Colleges in Kansas 2023

Best Colleges in Kansas 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in Kansas. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in Kansas

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  1. University of Kansas
    2. 62%
  2. Kansas State University
    3. 52%
  3. Washburn University
    4. 42%
  4. Wichita State University
    5. 41%
  5. Emporia State University
    6. 33%
  6. Pittsburg State University
    7. 32%
  7. Baker University
    8. 32%
  8. Friends University
    9. 29%
  9. Benedictine College
    10. 28%
  10. Ottawa University
    11. 28%
  1. Baker University
    2. 99%
  2. Benedictine College
    3. 98%
  3. Kansas State University
    4. 96%
  4. Pittsburg State University
    5. 94%
  5. University of Kansas
    6. 92%
  6. Wichita State University
    7. 91%
  7. Fort Hays State University
    8. 90%
  8. Emporia State University
    9. 88%
  9. McPherson College
    10. 85%
  10. University of Saint Mary
    11. 81%
  1. Fort Hays State University
    2. 19 to 1
  2. Wichita State University
    3. 18 to 1
  3. Kansas State University
    4. 18 to 1
  4. University of Kansas
    5. 17 to 1
  5. Emporia State University
    6. 17 to 1
  6. Central Christian College of Kansas
    7. 17 to 1
  7. Pittsburg State University
    8. 16 to 1
  8. Washburn University
    9. 15 to 1
  9. Tabor College
    10. 15 to 1
  10. McPherson College
    11. 15 to 1
  1. Ottawa University
    2. $36,780
  2. Southwestern College
    3. $34,900
  3. Newman University, Wichita
    4. $34,460
  4. MidAmerica Nazarene University
    5. $33,840
  5. Tabor College
    6. $33,400
  6. Benedictine College
    7. $32,630
  7. McPherson College
    8. $32,408
  8. Baker University
    9. $31,700
  9. University of Saint Mary
    10. $31,630
  10. Kansas Wesleyan University
    11. $31,340
  1. Sterling College
    2. $14,107
  2. Southwestern College
    3. $12,528
  3. MidAmerica Nazarene University
    4. $12,404
  4. Ottawa University
    5. $12,338
  5. Central Christian College of Kansas
    6. $12,000
  6. Tabor College
    7. $11,670
  7. Baker University
    8. $11,466
  8. Friends University
    9. $11,448
  9. University of Saint Mary
    10. $11,160
  10. Kansas State University
    11. $10,294
  1. Central Christian College of Kansas
    2. 12%
  2. University of Saint Mary
    3. 14%
  3. Sterling College
    4. 15%
  4. Donnelly College
    5. 16%
  5. MidAmerica Nazarene University
    6. 16%
  6. Bethany College
    7. 16%
  7. McPherson College
    8. 17%
  8. Tabor College
    9. 18%
  9. Hesston College
    10. 18%
  10. Bethel College
    11. 18%
  1. Sterling College
    2. 47%
  2. Tabor College
    3. 54%
  3. Friends University
    4. 58%
  4. MidAmerica Nazarene University
    5. 65%
  5. Ottawa University
    6. 67%
  6. Kansas Wesleyan University
    7. 68%
  7. Southwestern College
    8. 69%
  8. Bethel College
    9. 71%
  9. Newman University, Wichita
    10. 72%
  10. Bethany College
    11. 72%
  1. Hesston College
    2. 9 to 1
  2. MidAmerica Nazarene University
    3. 10 to 1
  3. Bethel College
    4. 10 to 1
  4. Southwestern College
    5. 10 to 1
  5. Donnelly College
    6. 10 to 1
  6. Sterling College
    7. 10 to 1
  7. Baker University
    8. 10 to 1
  8. Ottawa University
    9. 10 to 1
  9. Kansas Wesleyan University
    10. 11 to 1
  10. Newman University, Wichita
    11. 12 to 1
  1. Fort Hays State University
    2. $4,140
  2. Emporia State University
    3. $5,278
  3. Pittsburg State University
    4. $5,836
  4. Wichita State University
    5. $6,843
  5. Donnelly College
    6. $8,706
  6. Washburn University
    7. $8,762
  7. Kansas State University
    8. $9,489
  8. University of Kansas
    9. $10,092
  9. Central Christian College of Kansas
    10. $20,225
  10. Hesston College
    11. $28,440
  1. Fort Hays State University
    2. $3,726
  2. McPherson College
    3. $4,500
  3. Wichita State University
    4. $5,544
  4. Benedictine College
    5. $6,000
  5. Emporia State University
    6. $6,547
  6. Pittsburg State University
    7. $6,820
  7. Newman University, Wichita
    8. $7,920
  8. Washburn University
    9. $9,526
  9. University of Kansas
    10. $9,989
  10. Kansas State University
    11. $10,294

Colleges and Universities in Kansas

Prospective students searching for both brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Kansas can choose from a wide range of excellent schools. The Sunflower State offers a wide range of highly accessible public options for Kansas students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines.

Kansas is noted for its 23 community and technical colleges. These institutions provide numerous pathways to traditional and online degree programs, and well as online certificate programs for working professionals.

Kansas also has nine public universities, the largest being the University of Kansas (KU) with over 28,000 students. The school’s main campus is located in Lawrence, Kansas, but there are four other locations where students can attend KU classes: Overland Park, Kansas City, Wichita, and Salina. This means there are plenty of options for Kansas students seeking an on-campus experience and in state tuition rates.

It should also be noted that online students attending public colleges in Kansas are also entitled to in state tuition rates.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Kansas is also home to 22 private higher education institutions, with tuition ranging from $7,000 to $31,000.

In addition, students can choose from one of 18 religiously affiliated schools, including Newman University, Wichita - a Catholic liberal arts university serving the state’s largest private school student population at just over 2,000.

Kansas boasts an array of affordable options for both on-campus and online learners. The average tuition for a year of college in Kansas is $9,230, which is below the national average.

Kansas awards associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in popular fields of study, like economics, health services administration, early childhood education, elementary education, business administration, and more. Specialized degrees include aerospace engineering at the University of Kansas and agribusiness from Kansas State University.

Students who earn degrees in the medical and health care fields may have access to loan forgiveness-based programs, such as the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. This financial aid program awards up to $50,000, tax free, for those who serve two years at an approved site.

Arguably, it was the 1939 cinema classic, The Wizard of Oz, that put Kansas on the map. But this midwestern state is also known for its mouth-watering barbecue, open plains, and vast sunflower fields. Prospective students can also choose from traditional and online schools and universities across the state of Kansas.

See what Kansas has to offer by checking out the top undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as unique educational opportunities like online certificate programs and degree completion programs.


What are Kansas’s Colleges & Universities?

Kansas’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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We’ve identified 24 colleges and universities in Kansas that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Kansas below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Kansas.

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Best Colleges in Kansas 2022

  3. #3

    Wichita State University

    Wichita , KS
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Kansas 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    What is Wichita State University known for?

    Wichita State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wichita State University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Workforce Leadership And Applied Learning
    Degree Concentrations
    • Emergency And Public Service Leadership
    • Hospitality Management
    • Education And Innovation
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Education- Early Childhood United/Elementary Education Apprentice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Aging Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/MHA in Health Administration (Bachelor'S To Master'S)
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSDH in Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSET in Engineering Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Washburn University

    Topeka , KS
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2023 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas 2023 #4 Best Research Universities in Kansas 2023 #4 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    4K

    What is Washburn University known for?

    Washburn University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Washburn University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Technology Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BIS in Integrated Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #5

    Baker University

    Baldwin City , KS
    #23 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2023 #2 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2023 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/21

    What is Baker University known for?

    Baker University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Baker University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Leadership
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #16

    Tabor College

    Hillsboro , KS
    #9 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2023 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/20

    What is Tabor College known for?

    Tabor College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Tabor College ’s Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Adaptive Ministry Leadership Program
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business As Mission
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  21. #18

    Newman University, Wichita

    Wichita , KS
    #24 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Newman University, Wichita known for?

    Newman University, Wichita’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Newman University, Wichita’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business And Strategic Intelligence
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business- Data Analytics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business- Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. #19

    Donnelly College

    Kansas City , KS
    #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Donnelly College known for?

    Donnelly College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  25. #21

    Sterling College

    Sterling , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    990/21

    What is Sterling College known for?

    Sterling College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Sterling College ’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Thought
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  26. #22

    Bethany College

    Lindsborg , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Bethany College known for?

    Bethany College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  27. #23

    University of Saint Mary

    Leavenworth , KS
    #7 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    965/20

    What is University of Saint Mary known for?

    University of Saint Mary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  28. #24

    Central Christian College of Kansas

    McPherson , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Central Christian College of Kansas known for?

    Central Christian College of Kansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Kansas’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Friends University
  2. University of Kansas
  3. Kansas State University
  4. MidAmerica Nazarene University
  5. Southwestern College
  6. Ottawa University
  7. Baker University
  8. Washburn University
  9. Bethel College
  10. Wichita State University
  11. Benedictine College
  12. Kansas Wesleyan University
  13. Tabor College
  14. Pittsburg State University
  15. McPherson College
  16. Emporia State University
  17. Sterling College
  18. Newman University, Wichita
  19. Fort Hays State University
  20. Bethany College
  21. University of Saint Mary
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