Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN KANSAS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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 2025

  1. University of Kansas
  2. Kansas State University
  3. Washburn University
    +1
  4. Wichita State University
    –1
  5. Pittsburg State University
  6. Emporia State University
  7. Fort Hays State University
  8. Donnelly College

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the most affordable colleges in Kansas remained fairly stable. Washburn University was able to gain a ranking position as the school created the Innovation and Technology Hub, which offers students hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools in fields such as cybersecurity, digital marketing, and data science. The university has also expanded its healthcare programs, adding new simulation labs and partnerships with local hospitals to provide nursing and allied health students with real-world clinical experience.

Additionally, Washburn has enhanced its student support services, with expanded mental health resources, career counseling, and tutoring services. These updates reflect the university’s focus on technology, healthcare, and comprehensive student support.

There are 8 colleges and universities in Kansas with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Kansas is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  3. #3

    Washburn University

    Topeka , KS
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Kansas 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Kansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washburn University

    Cost of Degree: $9,578
    Expenses: $14,209
    Starting Salary: $43,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Washburn University known for?

    Washburn University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Washburn University’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Technology Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BIS in Integrated Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Wichita State University

    Wichita , KS
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1106/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Wichita State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,322
    Expenses: $18,490
    Starting Salary: $45,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wichita State University known for?

    Wichita State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Education- Early Childhood United/Elementary Education Apprentice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Aging Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/MHA in Health Administration (Bachelor'S To Master'S)
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSDH in Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSET in Engineering Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Pittsburg State University

    Pittsburg , KS
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Kansas 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Kansas
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pittsburg State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,156
    Expenses: $15,994
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pittsburg State University known for?

    Pittsburg State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Emporia State University

    Emporia , KS
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Emporia State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,356
    Expenses: $15,950
    Starting Salary: $40,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Emporia State University known for?

    Emporia State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Fort Hays State University

    Hays , KS
    #7 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #13 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024
    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: $5,633
    Expenses: $14,744
    Starting Salary: $42,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fort Hays State University known for?

    Fort Hays State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    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:

    Compare school
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Kansas’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Fort Hays State University
  2. University of Arkansas Grantham
  3. Emporia State University
  4. Pittsburg State University
  5. Donnelly College
  6. Wichita State University
  7. Washburn University
  8. Kansas State University
  9. University of Kansas
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