Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas 2026
Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Kansas. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.
Key Takeaways
- Many affordable colleges in Kansas provide extensive need-based and merit-based scholarships, as well as work-study options, helping students reduce the cost of attendance through a combination of grants and on-campus employment.
- The most affordable colleges in Kansas emphasize affordable, career-driven degree programs in fields such as agriculture, education, and engineering, paired with robust internship opportunities and high job placement rates, ensuring students receive practical training that leads directly to employment after graduation.
- Many of the most affordable colleges in Kansas offer a wide range of fully online degree programs at lower tuition rates than on-campus options, providing flexibility for working students or those with family commitments while still delivering a high-quality education at a reduced cost.
Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas in 2026
This list identifies the most affordable colleges and universities in Kansas for 2026, limited to institutions that offer bachelor’s degrees, report tuition and fees near or below the national average (approximately $16,000/year), and maintain full accreditation. For quick reference, there are 8 Kansas schools with stated tuition and fees under $20,000/year; see the searchable results here: with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year.
The entries emphasize published costs to help prospective students compare sticker prices, but keep in mind total cost of attendance can change with institutional fees, living expenses, and financial aid. Use the list to narrow choices by affordability and degree offerings, then confirm current tuition and net-price estimates directly with each school before applying or enrolling.
Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas
These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.
- #8 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2026 #1 Best Colleges in Kansas 2026 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2026 #1 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2026
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
70%
Student body
31K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Kansas
Cost of Degree: $11,700Expenses: $15,432Starting Salary: $67,963Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Kansas known for?
University of Kansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2026 #13 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #2 Best Colleges in Kansas 2026 #2 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2026
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
71%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/23
Career Outlook for degree at Kansas State University
Cost of Degree: $10,942Expenses: $18,344Starting Salary: $61,473Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Kansas State University known for?
Kansas State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #3 Best Colleges in Kansas 2026 #3 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2026 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2026
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
52%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1072/21
Career Outlook for degree at Wichita State University
Cost of Degree: $9,322Expenses: $18,490Starting Salary: $56,003Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wichita State University known for?
Wichita State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Engineering
- Physics
- Education
- Mathematics
- Earth Sciences
- Business
- Literature
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Wichita State University’s Online Degrees
BAS in Workforce Leadership And Applied Learning
Degree Concentrations
- Emergency And Public Service Leadership
- Hospitality Management
- Education And Innovation
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BBA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Homeland Security
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Education- Early Childhood United/Elementary Education Apprentice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BSN in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Aging Studies
- Format: Fully online
BS/MHA in Health Administration (Bachelor'S To Master'S)
- Format: Fully online
BSDH in Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 12-15 months
- Format: Fully online
BSET in Engineering Technology Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Field Major
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2026 #4 Best Colleges in Kansas 2026 #4 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in Kansas 2026
Tuition + fees
$10K
Graduation
52%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Washburn University
Cost of Degree: $9,578Expenses: $14,209Starting Salary: $53,102Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Washburn University known for?
Washburn University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Law
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Communications
- Medical
- History
- Political Science
- Education
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
Washburn University’s Online Degrees
BAS in Technology Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BIS in Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BHS in Health Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2026 #5 Best Colleges in Kansas 2026 #5 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2026 #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Kansas 2026
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
48%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Pittsburg State University
Cost of Degree: $8,156Expenses: $15,994Starting Salary: $53,785Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pittsburg State University known for?
Pittsburg State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2026 #3 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2026 #5 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2026
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
57%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Emporia State University
Cost of Degree: $7,356Expenses: $15,950Starting Salary: $50,860Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Emporia State University known for?
Emporia State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #12 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2026 #7 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2026
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
53%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1055/21
Career Outlook for degree at Fort Hays State University
Cost of Degree: $5,633Expenses: $14,744Starting Salary: $53,030Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Fort Hays State University known for?
Fort Hays State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Biology
- Political Science
- History
- Business
- Mathematics
- Education
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$11K
Graduation
48%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Donnelly College
Cost of Degree: $12,353Starting Salary: $41,558What is Donnelly College known for?
Donnelly College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
