Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024
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.
10 Best Private Colleges in Kansas
- Baker University
- Ottawa University
- Friends University
- Benedictine College
- Kansas Wesleyan University
- Southwestern College
- Hesston College
- Bethel College
- Tabor College
- MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Baker University
- Friends University
- Ottawa University
- Benedictine College
- Southwestern College
- Bethany College
- Bethel College
- Kansas Wesleyan University
- Hesston College
- MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Benedictine College 99%
- Bethel College 97%
- Baker University 92%
- University of Saint Mary 82%
- Ottawa University 78%
- Southwestern College 70%
- Kansas Wesleyan University 70%
- MidAmerica Nazarene University 67%
- Bethany College 66%
- McPherson College 66%
- Tabor College 15 to 1
- Kansas Wesleyan University 14 to 1
- Central Christian College of Kansas 14 to 1
- Benedictine College 14 to 1
- Baker University 13 to 1
- McPherson College 13 to 1
- University of Saint Mary 12 to 1
- Friends University 12 to 1
- Ottawa University 11 to 1
- Bethany College 11 to 1
- Southwestern College $36,650
- Tabor College $35,050
- MidAmerica Nazarene University $34,832
- Newman University, Wichita $34,400
- Benedictine College $33,720
- McPherson College $33,536
- Ottawa University $33,380
- University of Saint Mary $32,540
- Kansas Wesleyan University $32,470
- Baker University $32,320
- Kansas Wesleyan University $14,850
- Sterling College $14,107
- Southwestern College $13,140
- MidAmerica Nazarene University $12,630
- Tabor College $12,000
- Central Christian College of Kansas $11,880
- Baker University $11,466
- Friends University $11,448
- University of Saint Mary $11,232
- Ottawa University $9,892
- Central Christian College of Kansas
- University of Saint Mary
- Bethany College
- Sterling College
- McPherson College
- Donnelly College
- Newman University, Wichita
- MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Tabor College
- Bethel College
- Central Christian College of Kansas
- Newman University, Wichita
- University of Saint Mary
- Sterling College
- Donnelly College
- McPherson College
- Tabor College
- MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Hesston College
- Kansas Wesleyan University
- Newman University, Wichita 51%
- Tabor College 53%
- Sterling College 61%
- Friends University 63%
- McPherson College 66%
- Bethany College 66%
- MidAmerica Nazarene University 67%
- Kansas Wesleyan University 70%
- Southwestern College 70%
- Ottawa University 78%
- Hesston College 7 to 1
- Southwestern College 9 to 1
- Donnelly College 9 to 1
- Sterling College 9 to 1
- Newman University, Wichita 10 to 1
- Bethel College 10 to 1
- Ottawa University 11 to 1
- Bethany College 11 to 1
- MidAmerica Nazarene University 11 to 1
- University of Saint Mary 12 to 1
- Donnelly College $8,736
- Central Christian College of Kansas $20,650
- Hesston College $29,952
- Sterling College $30,000
- Bethany College $31,305
- Friends University $31,812
- Bethel College $32,090
- Baker University $32,320
- Kansas Wesleyan University $32,470
- University of Saint Mary $32,540
- McPherson College $4,500
- Benedictine College $6,000
- Newman University, Wichita $7,920
- Ottawa University $9,892
- University of Saint Mary $11,232
- Friends University $11,448
- Baker University $11,466
- Central Christian College of Kansas $11,880
- Tabor College $12,000
- MidAmerica Nazarene University $12,630
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?
- 5 Research Universities
- 19 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 7 Graduate Schools
- 7 Public Colleges & Universities
- 17 Private Colleges & Universities
- 15 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 19 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 8 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 25 Community Colleges
- 9 Online Colleges
Kansas’s Best Overall
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 17 private universities in Kansas. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Kansas, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.
Best Private Colleges in Kansas
- #3 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2025 #20 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
48%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Baker University
Cost of Degree: $33,800Expenses: $17,160Starting Salary: $59,500Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #17 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024
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: $35,300Expenses: $17,000Starting Salary: $48,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ottawa University known for?
Ottawa University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
- Business
- Biology
- History
- Education
- Literature
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024
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: $32,748Expenses: $16,876Starting Salary: $46,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Friends University known for?
Friends University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- Literature
- Business
- Computer Science
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024
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: $34,800Expenses: $17,470Starting Salary: $45,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Benedictine College known for?
Benedictine College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
32%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Kansas Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $33,470Expenses: $14,740Starting Salary: $43,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Kansas Wesleyan University known for?
Kansas Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Engineering
- Literature
- History
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Education
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools 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: $38,480Expenses: $20,270Starting Salary: $54,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southwestern College known for?
Southwestern College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Religious Studies
- Business
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$30K
Graduation
58%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Hesston College
Cost of Degree: $31,368Expenses: $16,360Starting Salary: $43,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hesston College known for?
Hesston College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024
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: $34,002Expenses: $18,518Starting Salary: $45,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bethel College known for?
Bethel College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- Literature
- Communications
- Biology
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- History
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kansas 2025 #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Kansas 2024 #5 Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2024 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Kansas
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: $35,050Expenses: $15,300Starting Salary: $45,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tabor College known for?
Tabor College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- History
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Business
- Medical
- Biology
- Education
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
- #10 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #14 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2025
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: $36,120Expenses: $22,661Starting Salary: $49,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is MidAmerica Nazarene University known for?
MidAmerica Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Literature
- History
- Business
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Education
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #24 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #4 Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Kansas
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
52%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Newman University, Wichita
Cost of Degree: $35,500Expenses: $15,048Starting Salary: $47,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Newman University, Wichita known for?
Newman University, Wichita’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
24%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Donnelly College
Cost of Degree: $12,353Starting Salary: $28,500What is Donnelly College known for?
Donnelly College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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: $35,162Expenses: $15,504Starting Salary: $43,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is McPherson College known for?
McPherson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Literature
- History
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Education
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
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: $32,200Expenses: $15,072Starting Salary: $40,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
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: $31,946Expenses: $22,212Starting Salary: $45,100Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bethany College known for?
Bethany College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2024 #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: $33,890Expenses: $15,782Starting Salary: $42,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Saint Mary known for?
University of Saint Mary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$21K
Graduation
31%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Central Christian College of Kansas
Cost of Degree: $21,000Expenses: $12,720Starting Salary: $34,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central Christian College of Kansas known for?
Central Christian College of Kansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Kansas’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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.
Friends University MidAmerica Nazarene University Southwestern College Ottawa University Baker University Bethel College Benedictine College Kansas Wesleyan University Tabor College McPherson College Sterling College Newman University, Wichita Bethany College University of Saint MaryCheck out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.