Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2024

Badge for BEST IN KANSAS GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Best Grad Schools in Kansas

  1. University of Kansas
    • Tuition: $11K
  2. Kansas State University
    • Tuition: $10K
  3. Wichita State University
    • Tuition: $9K
  4. Baker University
    • Tuition: $32K
  5. Emporia State University
    • Tuition: $7K
  6. Southwestern College
    • Tuition: $37K
  7. University of Saint Mary
    • Tuition: $33K

Key Takeaways

  • Seven schools in Kansas meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
  • Earning a master’s or doctorate degree from one of the state’s best grad schools will qualify graduates to work in one of Kansas’s top industries.
  • It is important to choose a grad school in Kansas that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Best Grad Schools in Kansas

Sort by:
  1. University of Kansas
  2. Kansas State University
  3. Wichita State University
  4. Baker University
  5. Emporia State University
  6. Southwestern College
  7. University of Saint Mary
  1. University of Kansas
  2. Kansas State University
  3. Wichita State University
  4. Baker University
  5. Emporia State University
  6. Southwestern College
  7. University of Saint Mary
  1. Emporia State University 96%
  2. Wichita State University 95%
  3. Kansas State University 95%
  4. Baker University 92%
  5. University of Kansas 88%
  6. University of Saint Mary 82%
  7. Southwestern College 70%
  1. Wichita State University 20 to 1
  2. Kansas State University 18 to 1
  3. University of Kansas 17 to 1
  4. Emporia State University 17 to 1
  5. Baker University 13 to 1
  6. University of Saint Mary 12 to 1
  7. Southwestern College 9 to 1
  1. Southwestern College $36,650
  2. University of Saint Mary $32,540
  3. Baker University $32,320
  4. University of Kansas $10,092
  5. Kansas State University $9,489
  6. Wichita State University $6,848
  7. Emporia State University $5,278
  1. Southwestern College $13,140
  2. Baker University $11,466
  3. University of Saint Mary $11,232
  4. Kansas State University $10,294
  5. University of Kansas $9,989
  6. Emporia State University $6,547
  7. Wichita State University $5,544
  1. University of Saint Mary
  2. Southwestern College
  3. Emporia State University
  4. Baker University
  5. Wichita State University
  6. Kansas State University
  7. University of Kansas
  1. University of Saint Mary
  2. Southwestern College
  3. Emporia State University
  4. Baker University
  5. Wichita State University
  6. Kansas State University
  7. University of Kansas
  1. Southwestern College 70%
  2. University of Saint Mary 82%
  3. University of Kansas 88%
  4. Baker University 92%
  5. Kansas State University 95%
  6. Wichita State University 95%
  7. Emporia State University 96%
  1. Southwestern College 9 to 1
  2. University of Saint Mary 12 to 1
  3. Baker University 13 to 1
  4. University of Kansas 17 to 1
  5. Emporia State University 17 to 1
  6. Kansas State University 18 to 1
  7. Wichita State University 20 to 1
  1. Emporia State University $5,278
  2. Wichita State University $6,848
  3. Kansas State University $9,489
  4. University of Kansas $10,092
  5. Baker University $32,320
  6. University of Saint Mary $32,540
  7. Southwestern College $36,650
  1. Wichita State University $5,544
  2. Emporia State University $6,547
  3. University of Kansas $9,989
  4. Kansas State University $10,294
  5. University of Saint Mary $11,232
  6. Baker University $11,466
  7. Southwestern College $13,140

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in North Carolina offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Colleges and Universities in Kansas

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

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.

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.

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 master’s, and doctorate 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.


What are Kansas’s Colleges & Universities?

Kansas’s Best Overall

There are 7 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Kansas. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Kansas is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Kansas is home to some of the best online MBA programs in the country. Check out our ranking here.

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Best Grad Schools in Kansas

  1. #1

    University of Kansas

    Lawrence , KS
    #8 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Kansas

    Cost of Degree: $11,167
    Expenses: $14,606
    Starting Salary: $59,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Kansas known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Kansas is a public research university with a main campus in Lawrence. It also has two branch campuses: Kansas City for its medical school and hospital and the Edwards Campus in Overland Park.

    What We Love About the University of Kansas

    The University of Kansas has a warm and welcoming nature. Plus, its location is just an hour away from the state’s capital, Topeka, and the metropolitan area of Kansas City, known for its amazing food scene and sports fandom.

    The University of Kansas is ideal for students who:

    Want diversity in their school where everybody can be unique and can express their own ideas.

    The University of Kansas might not be a good fit for students who:

    Want a smaller school because the University of Kansas has roughly 30,000 students. The majority of the general education classes hold up to 900 people and can make somebody feel lost or out of place.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Kansas State University

    Manhattan , KS
    #3 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #13 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    23K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kansas State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,448
    Expenses: $15,538
    Starting Salary: $51,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kansas State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    The main campus of Kansas State University is located in Manhattan. This public land-grant research university is known for its rigorous academic programs and great professors.

    What We Love About Kansas State University

    KSU has great professors, and all its courses offer satisfying challenges that further develop good work ethics. The school is located in a wonderful college town with plenty of places to eat, bowling alleys, movie theaters, malls, and more.

    Kansas State University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a great campus life and lots of opportunities to meet diverse people.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Wichita State University

    Wichita , KS
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Kansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1106/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Wichita State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,866
    Expenses: $17,260
    Starting Salary: $45,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wichita State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wichita State University, located in Wichita, Kansas, Wichita State University is a public research school that is governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. It offers over 60 undergraduate programs across 200 areas of study in nine colleges.

    What We Love About Wichita State University

    Wichita State University has an immense diverse population. Students can choose from so many campus clubs that cater to people of different cultural backgrounds and unique skills.

    Wichita State University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a quality education at a reasonable cost.

    Wichita State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to go to a more quiet university since the school is located in a large urban city.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Baker University

    Baldwin City , KS
    #3 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time #20 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Baker University

    Cost of Degree: $32,220
    Expenses: $15,930
    Starting Salary: $59,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Baker University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Baker University is a private school in Baldwin City, Kansas. This school is the first four-year university in the state and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It offers about 40 areas of study.

    What We Love About Baker University

    Baker University is a small but extremely welcoming school that prides itself on its tight-knit community.

    Baker University is ideal for students who:

    Are committed to learning and enjoy small class sizes.

    Baker University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Always need something going on because the small is relatively small, as well as those who are looking for much cheaper universities.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Emporia State University

    Emporia , KS
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Emporia State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,001
    Expenses: $14,658
    Starting Salary: $40,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Emporia State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Emporia State University is the third oldest public university in Kansas. This public university is one of six public universities being governed by the Kansas Board of Regents.

    What We Love About Emporia State University

    ESU has a welcoming community that provides real-world, hands-on learning experiences that help students discover what they can provide to the world.

    Emporia State University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for a school that will maximize their academic and social lives, as well as those who want a great education at a very affordable price.

    Emporia State University might not be a good fit for students who:

    Want a big school with a wild social life in a diverse town with lots of eating options and activities because ESU is located in a quaint and tight-knit community.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Southwestern College

    Winfield , KS
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Southwestern College

    Cost of Degree: $36,650
    Expenses: $17,600
    Starting Salary: $54,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southwestern College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Southwestern College, located in Winfield, Kansas, is a private Methodist college originally founded as Southwest Kansas Conference College. The school is home to over a thousand undergraduate students and almost 300 full-time graduate enrollees.

    What We Love About Southwestern College

    The school offers four full-tuition awards for first-year students and one full-tuition scholarship every year. SC also incorporated a Green Team and is very active in having a “green” campus and community.

    Southwestern College is ideal for students who:

    Are comfortable with a small-town setting where everyone knows everybody. It’s also a perfect place for those who want to get involved in different organizations and athletics.

    Southwestern College might not be a good fit for students who:

    Want to go to a bigger university with a large student body because this is a relatively small college.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Saint Mary

    Leavenworth , KS
    #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Kansas #20 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/19

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Saint Mary

    Cost of Degree: $32,540
    Expenses: $13,860
    Starting Salary: $42,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Saint Mary known for?

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

    The University of Saint Mary is in Leavenworth, KS. This private Catholic school is sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The school was originally an all-girls school until it became coeducational after some time.

    What We Love About the University of Saint Mary

    One-on-one attention is provided to its students so that the faculty knows each student’s professional goals. The school also has a Manual Therapy Club, something not many schools have, where students and faculty can collaborate and learn about manual therapy and practice techniques outside the classroom.

    The University of Saint Mary is ideal for students who:

    Are willing to learn and are open to Catholicism, considering it is a Catholic liberal arts school; thus, philosophy and religion are required classes.

    The University of Saint Mary might not be a good fit for students who:

    Are not open to being an active member of the close-knit community in USM.

    Compare school
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Kansas’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2023 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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. University of Kansas
  2. Kansas State University
  3. Wichita State University
  4. Baker University
  5. Southwestern College
  6. Emporia State University
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