Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024

BEST IN KANSAS PRIVATE 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.

10 Best Private Colleges in Kansas

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  1. Baker University
  2. Friends University
  3. Ottawa University
  4. Benedictine College
  5. Southwestern College
  6. Newman University, Wichita
  7. Bethel College
  8. Kansas Wesleyan University
  9. Bethany College
  10. Hesston College
  1. Baker University 99%
  2. Benedictine College 98%
  3. McPherson College 85%
  4. University of Saint Mary 81%
  5. Bethany College 72%
  6. Newman University, Wichita 72%
  7. Bethel College 71%
  8. Southwestern College 69%
  9. Kansas Wesleyan University 68%
  10. Ottawa University 67%
  1. Central Christian College of Kansas 17 to 1
  2. Tabor College 15 to 1
  3. McPherson College 15 to 1
  4. Bethany College 14 to 1
  5. University of Saint Mary 13 to 1
  6. Benedictine College 13 to 1
  7. Newman University, Wichita 12 to 1
  8. Friends University 12 to 1
  9. Kansas Wesleyan University 11 to 1
  10. MidAmerica Nazarene University 10 to 1
  1. Ottawa University $36,780
  2. Southwestern College $34,900
  3. Newman University, Wichita $34,460
  4. MidAmerica Nazarene University $33,840
  5. Tabor College $33,400
  6. Benedictine College $32,630
  7. McPherson College $32,408
  8. Baker University $31,700
  9. University of Saint Mary $31,630
  10. Kansas Wesleyan University $31,340
  1. Sterling College $14,107
  2. Southwestern College $12,528
  3. MidAmerica Nazarene University $12,404
  4. Ottawa University $12,338
  5. Central Christian College of Kansas $12,000
  6. Tabor College $11,670
  7. Baker University $11,466
  8. Friends University $11,448
  9. University of Saint Mary $11,160
  10. Newman University, Wichita $7,920
  1. Central Christian College of Kansas
  2. University of Saint Mary
  3. Sterling College
  4. Donnelly College
  5. MidAmerica Nazarene University
  6. Tabor College
  7. McPherson College
  8. Hesston College
  9. Bethany College
  10. Kansas Wesleyan University
  1. Sterling College 47%
  2. Tabor College 54%
  3. Friends University 58%
  4. MidAmerica Nazarene University 65%
  5. Ottawa University 67%
  6. Kansas Wesleyan University 68%
  7. Southwestern College 69%
  8. Bethel College 71%
  9. Newman University, Wichita 72%
  10. Bethany College 72%
  1. Hesston College 9 to 1
  2. MidAmerica Nazarene University 10 to 1
  3. Bethel College 10 to 1
  4. Southwestern College 10 to 1
  5. Donnelly College 10 to 1
  6. Sterling College 10 to 1
  7. Baker University 10 to 1
  8. Ottawa University 10 to 1
  9. Kansas Wesleyan University 11 to 1
  10. Newman University, Wichita 12 to 1
  1. Donnelly College $8,706
  2. Central Christian College of Kansas $20,225
  3. Hesston College $28,440
  4. Sterling College $28,500
  5. Friends University $30,864
  6. Bethel College $31,164
  7. Bethany College $31,215
  8. Kansas Wesleyan University $31,340
  9. University of Saint Mary $31,630
  10. Baker University $31,700
  1. McPherson College $4,500
  2. Benedictine College $6,000
  3. Newman University, Wichita $7,920
  4. University of Saint Mary $11,160
  5. Friends University $11,448
  6. Baker University $11,466
  7. Tabor College $11,670
  8. Central Christian College of Kansas $12,000
  9. Ottawa University $12,338
  10. MidAmerica Nazarene University $12,404

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.

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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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Baker University

    Cost of Degree: $31,600
    Expenses: $15,720
    Starting Salary: $59,942
    Salary after 4 years: $61,103
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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. #3

    Friends University

    Wichita , KS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Friends University

    Cost of Degree: $30,864
    Expenses: $14,189
    Starting Salary: $46,250
    Salary after 4 years: $60,170
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #4

    Benedictine College

    Atchison , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Benedictine College

    Cost of Degree: $32,630
    Expenses: $18,450
    Starting Salary: $44,472
    Salary after 4 years: $48,805
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

  4. Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Kansas Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $31,340
    Expenses: $13,500
    Starting Salary: $41,602
    Salary after 4 years: $50,852
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

  5. #6

    Southwestern College

    Winfield , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    980/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Southwestern College

    Cost of Degree: $34,900
    Expenses: $16,712
    Starting Salary: $51,849
    Salary after 4 years: $52,237
    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

  6. #7

    Hesston College

    Hesston , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hesston College

    Cost of Degree: $29,708
    Expenses: $14,768
    Starting Salary: $35,296
    Salary after 4 years: $47,625
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

  7. #8

    Bethel College

    North Newton , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1017/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Bethel College

    Cost of Degree: $31,164
    Expenses: $15,667
    Starting Salary: $59,303
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    Tabor College

    Hillsboro , KS
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Tabor College

    Cost of Degree: $33,400
    Expenses: $13,310
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  9. Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at MidAmerica Nazarene University

    Cost of Degree: $33,840
    Expenses: $18,792
    Starting Salary: $55,365
    Salary after 4 years: $60,896
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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

  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Newman University, Wichita

    Cost of Degree: $34,460
    Expenses: $13,806
    Starting Salary: $69,124
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  11. #12

    Donnelly College

    Kansas City , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Donnelly College

    Cost of Degree: $8,830
    Starting Salary: $45,385
    Salary after 4 years: $50,011
    What is Donnelly College known for?

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

  12. #13

    McPherson College

    McPherson , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at McPherson College

    Cost of Degree: $32,408
    Expenses: $14,738
    Starting Salary: $34,547
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

  13. #14

    Sterling College

    Sterling , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    990/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Sterling College

    Cost of Degree: $28,500
    Expenses: $14,386
    Starting Salary: $31,598
    Salary after 4 years: $36,506
    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
  14. #15

    Bethany College

    Lindsborg , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bethany College

    Cost of Degree: $31,215
    Expenses: $20,345
    Starting Salary: $23,339
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #16

    University of Saint Mary

    Leavenworth , KS

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    965/20

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Saint Mary

    Cost of Degree: $31,630
    Expenses: $13,115
    Starting Salary: $59,413
    Salary after 4 years: $59,509
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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:

  16. Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Central Christian College of Kansas

    Cost of Degree: $20,225
    Expenses: $12,270
    Starting Salary: $36,772
    Salary after 4 years: $50,458
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 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.

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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