Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024

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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

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  1. Baker University
  2. Ottawa University
  3. Friends University
  4. Benedictine College
  5. Kansas Wesleyan University
  6. Southwestern College
  7. Hesston College
  8. Bethel College
  9. Tabor College
  10. MidAmerica Nazarene University
  1. Baker University
  2. Friends University
  3. Ottawa University
  4. Benedictine College
  5. Southwestern College
  6. Bethany College
  7. Bethel College
  8. Kansas Wesleyan University
  9. Hesston College
  10. MidAmerica Nazarene University
  1. Benedictine College 99%
  2. Bethel College 97%
  3. Baker University 92%
  4. University of Saint Mary 82%
  5. Ottawa University 78%
  6. Southwestern College 70%
  7. Kansas Wesleyan University 70%
  8. MidAmerica Nazarene University 67%
  9. Bethany College 66%
  10. McPherson College 66%
  1. Tabor College 15 to 1
  2. Kansas Wesleyan University 14 to 1
  3. Central Christian College of Kansas 14 to 1
  4. Benedictine College 14 to 1
  5. Baker University 13 to 1
  6. McPherson College 13 to 1
  7. University of Saint Mary 12 to 1
  8. Friends University 12 to 1
  9. Ottawa University 11 to 1
  10. Bethany College 11 to 1
  1. Southwestern College $36,650
  2. Tabor College $35,050
  3. MidAmerica Nazarene University $34,832
  4. Newman University, Wichita $34,400
  5. Benedictine College $33,720
  6. McPherson College $33,536
  7. Ottawa University $33,380
  8. University of Saint Mary $32,540
  9. Kansas Wesleyan University $32,470
  10. Baker University $32,320
  1. Kansas Wesleyan University $14,850
  2. Sterling College $14,107
  3. Southwestern College $13,140
  4. MidAmerica Nazarene University $12,630
  5. Tabor College $12,000
  6. Central Christian College of Kansas $11,880
  7. Baker University $11,466
  8. Friends University $11,448
  9. University of Saint Mary $11,232
  10. Ottawa University $9,892
  1. Central Christian College of Kansas
  2. University of Saint Mary
  3. Bethany College
  4. Sterling College
  5. McPherson College
  6. Donnelly College
  7. Newman University, Wichita
  8. MidAmerica Nazarene University
  9. Tabor College
  10. Bethel College
  1. Central Christian College of Kansas
  2. Newman University, Wichita
  3. University of Saint Mary
  4. Sterling College
  5. Donnelly College
  6. McPherson College
  7. Tabor College
  8. MidAmerica Nazarene University
  9. Hesston College
  10. Kansas Wesleyan University
  1. Newman University, Wichita 51%
  2. Tabor College 53%
  3. Sterling College 61%
  4. Friends University 63%
  5. McPherson College 66%
  6. Bethany College 66%
  7. MidAmerica Nazarene University 67%
  8. Kansas Wesleyan University 70%
  9. Southwestern College 70%
  10. Ottawa University 78%
  1. Hesston College 7 to 1
  2. Southwestern College 9 to 1
  3. Donnelly College 9 to 1
  4. Sterling College 9 to 1
  5. Newman University, Wichita 10 to 1
  6. Bethel College 10 to 1
  7. Ottawa University 11 to 1
  8. Bethany College 11 to 1
  9. MidAmerica Nazarene University 11 to 1
  10. University of Saint Mary 12 to 1
  1. Donnelly College $8,736
  2. Central Christian College of Kansas $20,650
  3. Hesston College $29,952
  4. Sterling College $30,000
  5. Bethany College $31,305
  6. Friends University $31,812
  7. Bethel College $32,090
  8. Baker University $32,320
  9. Kansas Wesleyan University $32,470
  10. University of Saint Mary $32,540
  1. McPherson College $4,500
  2. Benedictine College $6,000
  3. Newman University, Wichita $7,920
  4. Ottawa University $9,892
  5. University of Saint Mary $11,232
  6. Friends University $11,448
  7. Baker University $11,466
  8. Central Christian College of Kansas $11,880
  9. Tabor College $12,000
  10. 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?

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.

Kansas's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Private Colleges in Kansas

  1. #1

    Baker University

    Baldwin City , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Baker University

    Cost of Degree: $33,800
    Expenses: $17,160
    Starting Salary: $59,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  2. #2

    Ottawa University

    Ottawa , KS

    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: $35,300
    Expenses: $17,000
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Friends University

    Wichita , KS

    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: $32,748
    Expenses: $16,876
    Starting Salary: $46,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    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: $34,800
    Expenses: $17,470
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Benedictine College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kansas Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $33,470
    Expenses: $14,740
    Starting Salary: $43,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kansas Wesleyan University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  6. #6

    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: $38,480
    Expenses: $20,270
    Starting Salary: $54,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

  7. #7

    Hesston College

    Hesston , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hesston College

    Cost of Degree: $31,368
    Expenses: $16,360
    Starting Salary: $43,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hesston College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  8. #8

    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: $34,002
    Expenses: $18,518
    Starting Salary: $45,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #9

    Tabor College

    Hillsboro , KS

    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: $15,300
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  10. 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: $36,120
    Expenses: $22,661
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is MidAmerica Nazarene University known for?

    MidAmerica Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Newman University, Wichita

    Cost of Degree: $35,500
    Expenses: $15,048
    Starting Salary: $47,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  12. #12

    Donnelly College

    Kansas City , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Donnelly College

    Cost of Degree: $12,353
    Starting Salary: $28,500
    What is Donnelly College known for?

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

  13. #13

    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: $35,162
    Expenses: $15,504
    Starting Salary: $43,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is McPherson College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #14

    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: $32,200
    Expenses: $15,072
    Starting Salary: $40,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  15. #15

    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: $31,946
    Expenses: $22,212
    Starting Salary: $45,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #16

    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: $33,890
    Expenses: $15,782
    Starting Salary: $42,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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:

  17. Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Central Christian College of Kansas

    Cost of Degree: $21,000
    Expenses: $12,720
    Starting Salary: $34,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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 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 Mary

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

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