Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2024

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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

Sort by:
  1. Washburn University
  2. Wichita State University
  3. Baker University
  4. Newman University, Wichita
  5. Tabor College
  6. Sterling College
  7. Manhattan Christian College
  8. Kansas Christian College
  1. Wichita State University
  2. Washburn University
  3. Baker University
  4. Tabor College
  5. Sterling College
  6. Kansas Christian College
  7. Manhattan Christian College
  8. Newman University, Wichita
  1. Wichita State University 95%
  2. Baker University 92%
  3. Sterling College 61%
  4. Tabor College 53%
  5. Newman University, Wichita 51%
  6. Manhattan Christian College 48%
  1. Wichita State University 20 to 1
  2. Tabor College 15 to 1
  3. Washburn University 13 to 1
  4. Baker University 13 to 1
  5. Manhattan Christian College 12 to 1
  6. Newman University, Wichita 10 to 1
  7. Sterling College 9 to 1
  1. Tabor College $35,050
  2. Newman University, Wichita $34,400
  3. Baker University $32,320
  4. Sterling College $30,000
  5. Manhattan Christian College $17,914
  6. Washburn University $9,016
  7. Wichita State University $6,848
  1. Sterling College $14,107
  2. Tabor College $12,000
  3. Baker University $11,466
  4. Washburn University $9,790
  5. Newman University, Wichita $7,920
  6. Wichita State University $5,544
  1. Kansas Christian College
  2. Manhattan Christian College
  3. Sterling College
  4. Tabor College
  5. Newman University, Wichita
  6. Baker University
  7. Wichita State University
  8. Washburn University
  1. Newman University, Wichita
  2. Manhattan Christian College
  3. Kansas Christian College
  4. Sterling College
  5. Tabor College
  6. Baker University
  7. Washburn University
  8. Wichita State University
  1. Manhattan Christian College 48%
  2. Newman University, Wichita 51%
  3. Tabor College 53%
  4. Sterling College 61%
  5. Baker University 92%
  6. Wichita State University 95%
  1. Sterling College 9 to 1
  2. Newman University, Wichita 10 to 1
  3. Manhattan Christian College 12 to 1
  4. Washburn University 13 to 1
  5. Baker University 13 to 1
  6. Tabor College 15 to 1
  7. Wichita State University 20 to 1
  1. Wichita State University $6,848
  2. Washburn University $9,016
  3. Manhattan Christian College $17,914
  4. Sterling College $30,000
  5. Baker University $32,320
  6. Newman University, Wichita $34,400
  7. Tabor College $35,050
  1. Wichita State University $5,544
  2. Newman University, Wichita $7,920
  3. Washburn University $9,790
  4. Baker University $11,466
  5. Tabor College $12,000
  6. 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.

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.

Kansas is also home to some of the best online MBA programs in the country. For those interested in pursuing this advanced degree, check out our ranking.

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

Best Online Colleges in Kansas
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Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2023

  1. #1

    Washburn University

    Topeka , KS
    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

    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
  2. 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

    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
  3. #3

    Baker University

    Baldwin City , KS
    Other Rankings

    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

    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
  4. Other Rankings

    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

    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
  5. #5

    Tabor College

    Hillsboro , KS
    Other Rankings

    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

    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
  6. #6

    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

    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
  7. Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Manhattan Christian College

    Cost of Degree: $18,424
    Expenses: $17,544
    Starting Salary: $38,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  8. 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

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