Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024

Badge for BEST IN KANSAS LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Kansas offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

Top Ten Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024

  1. Pittsburg State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Education, Psychology, and Engineering
  2. Emporia State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Mathematics, Physics, and Earth Sciences
  3. Friends University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Psychology, Biology, and Criminal Justice
  4. Fort Hays State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Biology, and Political Science
  5. Ottawa University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Psychology, and Sociology
  6. Benedictine College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Nursing, and Economics
  7. Southwestern College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Computer Science
  8. Bethany College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Religious Studies, and History
  9. Bethel College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Religious Studies, Mathematics, and Social Work
  10. Kansas Wesleyan University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Criminal Justice, Biology, and Engineering

A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 20 liberal arts colleges in Kansas. To be ranked among the 30 best liberal arts colleges in Kansas, schools must fully accredited institutions.

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pittsburg State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,774
    Expenses: $15,440
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    With its vibrant campus, Pittsburg State University offers a liberal arts education that blends a comprehensive curriculum with hands-on learning opportunities.

    What we love about Pittsburg State University:

    Students get the chance to study overseas and learn foreign languages through the International Knowledge & Experience Certificate.

    Pittsburg State University is ideal for students who:

    Would like to study women’s and gender studies.

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

    Are looking for an online biology program.

  2. 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

    Emporia State University has an excellent track record of preparing its students to enter the workforce with ease through proper guidance and career services.

    What we love about Emporia State University:

    The university hosts a Research and Creativity Day where both students and faculty can showcase their projects and compete for prizes.

    Emporia State University is ideal for students who:

    Prefer a diverse study body.

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

    Are not fans of the outdoors.

  3. #3

    Friends University

    Wichita , KS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Friends University

    Cost of Degree: $31,812
    Expenses: $14,000
    Starting Salary: $46,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Students at Friends University go through a transformational learning journey, gaining valuable skills and growing in strong Christian values.

    What we love about Friends University:

    With a strong emphasis on inclusion, the Friendship Fields Academy provides classes and recreational activities for students with special needs.

    Friends University is ideal for students who:

    Want to pursue careers in social services.

    Friends University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Aren’t open to in-field experiences.

  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1065/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Fort Hays State University

    Cost of Degree: $5,430
    Expenses: $14,185
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Fort Hays State University ensures accessibility by offering on-campus and online programs at affordable tuition rates.

    What we love about Fort Hays State University:

    Perfect for aspiring performers, the High Plains Music Camp, available through the university, offers learning sessions from renowned musicians and conductors.

    Fort Hays State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to enjoy their military benefits.

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

    Refuse to participate in internships.

  5. #5

    Ottawa University

    Ottawa , KS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    980/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Ottawa University

    Cost of Degree: $33,380
    Expenses: $16,774
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Ottawa University’s liberal arts core curriculum trains its students to become well-rounded and service-oriented professionals.

    What we love about Ottawa University:

    Its online addiction counseling program provides a strong foundation in theory and prepares students for the licensure examination.

    Ottawa University is ideal for students who:

    Plan on taking accelerated programs.

    Ottawa University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for more Ph.D. programs to choose from.

  6. #6

    Benedictine College

    Atchison , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Benedictine College

    Cost of Degree: $33,720
    Expenses: $17,230
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    With over 50 academic programs, Benedictine College offers a well- balanced student life that promotes collaboration and critical thinking.

    What we love about Benedictine College:

    The Great Books program offered by the university allows students to have an in-depth study of some of the best literary works of authors like Homer and Dante.

    Benedictine College is ideal for students who:

    Enjoy a culturally-rich campus.

    Benedictine College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for more work-study opportunities.

  7. #7

    Southwestern College

    Winfield , KS

    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

    Offering well recognized programs in philosophy and chemistry, Southwestern College allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and practical projects.

    What we love about Southwestern College:

    The college extends several benefits for military students, offering 6-week accelerated courses that allow them to graduate faster.

    Southwestern College is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for quality online curriculums and extension services.

    Southwestern College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer to stay away from leadership and discipleship programs.

  8. #8

    Bethany College

    Lindsborg , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    951/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Bethany College

    Cost of Degree: $31,305
    Expenses: $21,209
    Starting Salary: $45,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    With a warm and friendly atmosphere, students at Bethany College are mentored by passionate professors and supported through extensive learning services.

    What we love about Bethany College:

    The college has partnered with prestigious schools, including West Virginia Reed College of Media and Appalachian School of Law, to deliver accelerated programs and flexible learning options.

    Bethany College is ideal for students who:

    Are interested in joining the Equestrian Club.

    Bethany College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are searching for more online degree courses to choose from.

  9. #9

    Bethel College

    North Newton , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    975/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Bethel College

    Cost of Degree: $32,090
    Expenses: $15,812
    Starting Salary: $45,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Offering over 40 academic programs, Bethel College maintains an active learning community that prepares students academically and spiritually.

    What we love about Bethel College:

    The college’s music program allows students to gain real-world experience and build their portfolio through freelance work and internships.

    Bethel College is ideal for students who:

    Want to learn more about the German language.

    Bethel College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Avoid challenging curriculums.

  10. Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kansas Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $32,470
    Expenses: $14,000
    Starting Salary: $43,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Kansas Wesleyan University makes sure its students are always engaged and nurtured, offering various activities and campus facilities.

    What we love about Kansas Wesleyan University:

    With a strong emphasis on community interaction, the university offers regular service learning projects such as church clean-ups and farm work.

    Kansas Wesleyan University is ideal for students who:

    Are needing a college with financial aid options.

    Kansas Wesleyan University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a bigger campus.

  11. #11

    Hesston College

    Hesston , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hesston College

    Cost of Degree: $29,952
    Expenses: $14,994
    Starting Salary: $43,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Having roots in the Mennonite Church, Hesston College offers a holistic educational approach that integrates faith and community service into its programs.

    What we love about Hesston College:

    Not only does the college have a thriving learning environment, students can enjoy a wide array of facilities including tennis courts, an aviation center, and a botanical garden.

    Hesston College is ideal for students who:

    Prefer a school with an active sports scene.

    Hesston College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Avoid faith-based teachings and courses.

  12. Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1017/20

    Career Outlook for degree at MidAmerica Nazarene University

    Cost of Degree: $34,832
    Expenses: $20,177
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    With an active spiritual community, students at MidAmerica Nazarene University are given the right resources and platforms to grow and express themselves.

    What we love about MidAmerica Nazarene University:

    The university offers an accelerated liberal arts degree that’s perfect for working professionals and adult learners, having classes only once a week.

    MidAmerica Nazarene University is ideal for students who:

    Prefer learning outside the classroom through internships and workshops.

    MidAmerica Nazarene University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer larger schools.

  13. #13

    Tabor College

    Hillsboro , KS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    965/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Tabor College

    Cost of Degree: $35,050
    Expenses: $13,310
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Fostering academic excellence, Tabor College aims to produce global changemakers in various fields, including behavioral science, music, and mathematics.

    What we love about Tabor College:

    Students who have received government grants may still seek additional financial aid, like the Ad Astra Scholarship, to cover their full tuition.

    Tabor College is ideal for students who:

    Would like to be a part of an excellent music program.

    Tabor College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Stay away from clubs and extracurricular organizations.

    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
  14. #14

    McPherson College

    McPherson , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1014/20

    Career Outlook for degree at McPherson College

    Cost of Degree: $33,536
    Expenses: $15,012
    Starting Salary: $43,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    McPherson College believes in learning beyond textbooks and classroom discussions, exposing students to laboratory work, fairs, and field visits.

    What we love about McPherson College:

    As an International Studies Abroad affiliate, students can study in over 25 countries and take up courses as early as their sophomore year.

    McPherson College is ideal for students who:

    Prefer having many housing and residency options to choose from.

    McPherson College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a hybrid learning setup.

  15. #15

    Donnelly College

    Kansas City , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Donnelly College

    Cost of Degree: $10,372
    Starting Salary: $28,500

    Boasting its accessibility and affordability, Donnelly College maintains a diverse student body that participates in both academic and social initiatives.

    What we love about Donnelly College:

    Service learning is a core component of the college’s curriculum, encouraging students to participate in activities such as feeding the homeless population and building shelters.

    Donnelly College is ideal for students who:

    Are seeking quality associate degree programs.

    Donnelly College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer choosing from a wide array of bachelor’s programs.

  16. #16

    Sterling College

    Sterling , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Sterling College

    Cost of Degree: $30,000
    Expenses: $14,836
    Starting Salary: $40,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Sterling College aims to hone the creative and leadership skills of its students through liberal arts education and expert faculty.

    What we love about Sterling College:

    The college’s interdisciplinary studies curriculum connects complementing fields and explores their strengths to produce experts like wildlife conservationists and forensic scientists.

    Sterling College is ideal for students who:

    Plan on taking a history degree online.

    Sterling College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Don’t enjoy being involved in art activities.

    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
  17. #17

    University of Saint Mary

    Leavenworth , KS

    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

    The University of Saint Mary’s emphasis on academic excellence and servant leadership are integrated into their programs, pursuing education with a deeper purpose.

    What we love about the University of Saint Mary:

    Whether it’s cybersecurity or psychology, the university’s online programs are delivered in an accelerated track with various start dates to choose from throughout the year.

    The University of Saint Mary is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for evening classes.

    The University of Saint Mary might not be the best fit for students who:

    Seek work-study opportunities.

  18. Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Central Christian College of Kansas

    Cost of Degree: $20,650
    Expenses: $11,770
    Starting Salary: $34,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    With a focus on faith-based values, Central Christian College of Kansas fosters a balanced academic environment through a mix of research studies, internships, and social events.

    What we love about Central Christian College of Kansas:

    The Briner Academic Center encompasses a wide range of student services, offering tutorials, spiritual resources, and counseling.

    Central Christian College of Kansas is ideal for students who:

    Are enthusiastic about campus activities and athletics.

    Central Christian College of Kansas might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want to pursue a degree in theater.

  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Newman University, Wichita

    Cost of Degree: $34,400
    Expenses: $13,986
    Starting Salary: $47,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Newman University Wichita’s academic programs promise to transform its students into empowered individuals who have the ability to make a difference.

    What we love about Newman University Wichita:

    The school’s Navigator Program helps students with charting their academic course, providing academic advising and networking activities.

    Newman University Wichita is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for affordable tuition rates.

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

    Want more affordable tuition rates.

    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
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Kansas’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 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. Friends University
  2. MidAmerica Nazarene University
  3. Southwestern College
  4. Ottawa University
  5. Bethel College
  6. Benedictine College
  7. Kansas Wesleyan University
  8. Tabor College
  9. Pittsburg State University
  10. McPherson College
  11. Emporia State University
  12. Sterling College
  13. Newman University, Wichita
  14. Fort Hays State University
  15. Bethany College
  16. University of Saint Mary

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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