Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2024

Published: Dec 21, 2021
Updated: Nov 22, 2023

Find the best online colleges in Kansas ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.

Top 10 Online Colleges in Kansas

Wichita State University
Washburn University
Baker University
Newman University, Wichita
Tabor College
Sterling College
Manhattan Christian College

Baker University 99%
Wichita State University 91%
Newman University, Wichita 72%
Tabor College 54%
Manhattan Christian College 48%
Sterling College 47%

Wichita State University 18 to 1
Tabor College 15 to 1
Washburn University 15 to 1
Newman University, Wichita 12 to 1
Manhattan Christian College 11 to 1
Sterling College 10 to 1
Baker University 10 to 1

Newman University, Wichita $34,460
Tabor College $33,400
Baker University $31,700
Sterling College $28,500
Manhattan Christian College $17,605
Washburn University $8,762
Wichita State University $6,843

Sterling College $14,107
Tabor College $11,670
Baker University $11,466
Washburn University $9,526
Newman University, Wichita $7,920
Wichita State University $5,544

Manhattan Christian College
Sterling College
Tabor College
Newman University, Wichita
Baker University
Washburn University
Wichita State University

Sterling College 47%
Manhattan Christian College 48%
Tabor College 54%
Newman University, Wichita 72%
Wichita State University 91%
Baker University 99%

Sterling College 10 to 1
Baker University 10 to 1
Manhattan Christian College 11 to 1
Newman University, Wichita 12 to 1
Tabor College 15 to 1
Washburn University 15 to 1
Wichita State University 18 to 1

Wichita State University $6,843
Washburn University $8,762
Manhattan Christian College $17,605
Sterling College $28,500
Baker University $31,700
Tabor College $33,400
Newman University, Wichita $34,460

Wichita State University $5,544
Newman University, Wichita $7,920
Washburn University $9,526
Baker University $11,466
Tabor College $11,670
Sterling College $14,107

Key Takeaways

Kansas is one of the cheapest states to pursue online undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with 9.19% lower tuition rates than the national average expense at a public 4-year institution.
The state is home to top-ranking schools, including Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Fort Hays State University, and Emporia State University.
Kansas’ key industries and economic contributors are healthcare and business.

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Cost of Attendance in Kansas

Online colleges and universities in Kansas provide students with several financial benefits. Specifically, distance learners can save more on financial resources than on-campus students, reducing transportation and lodging expenses.

Some of the best online colleges in Kansas allow distance learners to pay in-state tuition fees regardless of their residency status.

Here is an overview of the undergraduate tuition fees for traditional and online bachelor’s programs in Kansas, the National Center for Education Statistics reports:

Public 4-Year Institution

$19,082 (In-State)
$23,945 (Out-of-State)

Private 4-Year Institution

$35,339 (In-State)

Public 2-Year Institution

$3,648 (In-State)
$4,828 (Out-of-State)

Common Online Programs in Kansas

While these are common online programs in Kansas, these fields are also the state’s biggest employment sectors:

Agriculture

Kansas has more than 45M acres of farmland and is distinguished as the nation’s top sorghum and wheat producer. Some of the most common agriculture-related academic degrees include horticulture, agronomy, and agribusiness.

Business

Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing business programs in Kansas, online learners included, study topics in international/global business, ethics of business, supply chain management, operations management, and business law.

Communication

Distance learners pursuing communications-related programs take courses in communication theories and practice, business communication, literature, creative writing, and literary genres across cultures. Various industries around Kansas need communication professionals to advocate products and services through PRs firms and media.

Engineering

Kansas government partners with some of the best online online schools in Kansas to improve its STEM learning programs. Since the state’s major manufacturers include chemical, petroleum, food, and automotive products, engineering students can significantly benefit from the state’s needs.

Civil engineers, for instance, explore topics related to sustainable design and principles, green infrastructures, and complex building materials.

Employment Outlook in Kansas

According to the latest report of the Kansas Department of Labor, the private sector has shown promising growth in October 2022, adding more than 8,000 employment opportunities in the state. The leading industries of this trend include business and professional services, and hospitality and leisure, with both industries contributing to 2,000 job vacancies.

The unemployment rate in Kansas is also one of the lowest compared to other states in the country, with less than a 3% unemployment rate since October 2021.

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

Online education has grown dramatically in quality, credibility, and popularity over the last two decades. Today, more than a quarter of all college students are taking at least one online course. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are more than 5 million college students who are pursuing their undergraduate degree fully online. And the number of online college and graduate students continues to grow as online technology and instructional methods improve.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to remote learning has proven an essential part of the educational ecosystem. Schools that offer primarily online degree programs saw an increase of 7% enrollment just between Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. The number of traditional institutions offering online courses and degrees is growing as well. This all paints a promising picture for the future of online education. But it also produces a dizzying array of options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Online Colleges 2022

Asynchronous learning means classes don’t meet at set times. This is the most flexible online learning experience, making when you cover your course material up to you. Most asynchronous online courses will still have deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments and tests. Some asynchronous classes may still ask for an occasional meeting, such as initial meet-and-greets, and in some cases there may be scheduled test times. The idea of asynchronous learning is to allow the student to manage their schedules as needed.

Synchronous learning means you will have scheduled meeting times for your online classes. Synchronous learning gives online students the flexibility of location while also giving students a chance to engage with each other and their professors. For many online students, the structured class schedules and ability to see and hear from peers in real-time helps create the learning experience they want.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities—educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

How do we determine the best online colleges for undergrads?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2023

#1
Washburn University
Topeka , KS
#1 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Kansas 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Kansas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
51%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Washburn University
Cost of Degree: $8,872
Expenses: $14,145
Starting Salary: $43,500
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BAS in Human Services

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BIS in Integrated Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BHS in Health Science

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BAS in Technology Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#2
Wichita State University
Wichita , KS
#2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Kansas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
48%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1135/23
Career Outlook for degree at Wichita State University
Cost of Degree: $8,800
Expenses: $17,260
Starting Salary: $45,400
Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BS in Aging Studies

Required Credits: None Reported
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
BBA in Business Administration

Required Credits: 124
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Education

Concentrations

Early Childhood United/Elementary Education Apprentice

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSDH in Dental Hygiene

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 12-15 months
Format: Online
BSET in Engineering Technology Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Field Major

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in General Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS/MHA in Health Administration (Bachelor’s to Master’s)

Required Credits: None Reported
Completion time: None Reported
Format: Online
BS in Homeland Security

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BSN in Nursing

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BAS in Workforce Leadership and Applied Learning

Concentrations

Emergency and Public Service Leadership
Hospitality Management
Education and Innovation

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#3
Baker University
Baldwin City , KS
#3 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time #23 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024
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: $59,500
Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BBA in Business Leadership

Required Credits: 124
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 124
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BBA in Management

Required Credits: 124
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BBA in Marketing

Required Credits: 124
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS in Psychology

Required Credits: 124
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
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#4
Newman University, Wichita
Wichita , KS
#24 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Kansas #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
Other Rankings
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #23 Best Online Master's in Theology
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: $47,900
Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BA in Business

Concentrations

Data Analytics

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Business

Concentrations

Organizational Leadership

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Business and Strategic Intelligence

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#5
Tabor College
Hillsboro , KS
#9 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024 #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kansas 2024 #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Kansas 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Kansas
- #20 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
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
Online Degrees
BS in Adaptive Ministry Leadership Program

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
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#6
Sterling College
Sterling , KS
#7 Best Online Master's Programs in Kansas 2024
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: $40,500
Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Christian Thought

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice Administration

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Education

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in History

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Organizational Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BS in Sports Management

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
Compare school
#7
Manhattan Christian College
Manhattan , KS
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
32%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Manhattan Christian College
Cost of Degree: $17,605
Expenses: $14,750
Starting Salary: $38,800
Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
Online Degrees
BS in Biblical Leadership

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
BS in Management and Ethics

Required Credits: 120-128
Completion time: 4-6 years
Format: Online
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#8
Kansas Christian College
#6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kansas 2024
Online Degrees
BA in Business

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Leadership and Ministry

Concentrations

Organizational Leadership
Pastoral Ministry
Youth Ministry

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
BA in Psychology

Required Credits: 120
Completion time: 4 years
Format: Online
Compare school

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Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2024

Top 10 Online Colleges in Kansas

Key Takeaways

Featured Programs

Cost of Attendance in Kansas

Common Online Programs in Kansas

Agriculture

Business

Communication

Engineering

Employment Outlook in Kansas

Colleges and Universities in Kansas

What are Kansas’s Colleges & Universities?

Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2023

Career Outlook for degree at Washburn University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Wichita State University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Baker University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Newman University, Wichita

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Tabor College

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Sterling College

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at Manhattan Christian College

Online Degrees

Online Degrees

Concentrations