Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2024
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 Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas
- Pittsburg State University
- Emporia State University
- Fort Hays State University
- Ottawa University
- Friends University
- Benedictine College
- Kansas Wesleyan University
- Southwestern College
- Hesston College
- Bethel College
- Pittsburg State University
- Emporia State University
- Friends University
- Fort Hays State University
- Ottawa University
- Benedictine College
- Southwestern College
- Bethany College
- Bethel College
- Kansas Wesleyan University
- Benedictine College 99%
- Bethel College 97%
- Emporia State University 96%
- Fort Hays State University 88%
- Pittsburg State University 86%
- University of Saint Mary 82%
- Ottawa University 78%
- Southwestern College 70%
- Kansas Wesleyan University 70%
- MidAmerica Nazarene University 67%
- Emporia State University 17 to 1
- Fort Hays State University 15 to 1
- Tabor College 15 to 1
- Pittsburg State University 14 to 1
- Kansas Wesleyan University 14 to 1
- Benedictine College 14 to 1
- Central Christian College of Kansas 14 to 1
- McPherson College 13 to 1
- University of Saint Mary 12 to 1
- Friends University 12 to 1
- Southwestern College $36,650
- Tabor College $35,050
- MidAmerica Nazarene University $34,832
- Newman University, Wichita $34,400
- Benedictine College $33,720
- McPherson College $33,536
- Ottawa University $33,380
- University of Saint Mary $32,540
- Kansas Wesleyan University $32,470
- Bethel College $32,090
- Kansas Wesleyan University $14,850
- Sterling College $14,107
- Southwestern College $13,140
- MidAmerica Nazarene University $12,630
- Tabor College $12,000
- Central Christian College of Kansas $11,880
- Friends University $11,448
- University of Saint Mary $11,232
- Ottawa University $9,892
- Newman University, Wichita $7,920
- Central Christian College of Kansas
- University of Saint Mary
- Bethany College
- Sterling College
- McPherson College
- Donnelly College
- Newman University, Wichita
- MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Tabor College
- Bethel College
- Central Christian College of Kansas
- Newman University, Wichita
- University of Saint Mary
- Sterling College
- Donnelly College
- McPherson College
- Tabor College
- MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Hesston College
- Kansas Wesleyan University
- Newman University, Wichita 51%
- Tabor College 53%
- Sterling College 61%
- Friends University 63%
- McPherson College 66%
- Bethany College 66%
- MidAmerica Nazarene University 67%
- Kansas Wesleyan University 70%
- Southwestern College 70%
- Ottawa University 78%
- Hesston College 7 to 1
- Southwestern College 9 to 1
- Donnelly College 9 to 1
- Sterling College 9 to 1
- Newman University, Wichita 10 to 1
- Bethel College 10 to 1
- MidAmerica Nazarene University 11 to 1
- Bethany College 11 to 1
- Ottawa University 11 to 1
- University of Saint Mary 12 to 1
- Fort Hays State University $4,140
- Emporia State University $5,278
- Pittsburg State University $5,836
- Donnelly College $8,736
- Central Christian College of Kansas $20,650
- Hesston College $29,952
- Sterling College $30,000
- Bethany College $31,305
- Friends University $31,812
- Bethel College $32,090
- Fort Hays State University $3,729
- McPherson College $4,500
- Benedictine College $6,000
- Emporia State University $6,547
- Pittsburg State University $6,820
- Newman University, Wichita $7,920
- Ottawa University $9,892
- University of Saint Mary $11,232
- Friends University $11,448
- Central Christian College of Kansas $11,880
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?
- 5 Research Universities
- 19 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 7 Graduate Schools
- 7 Public Colleges & Universities
- 17 Private Colleges & Universities
- 15 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 19 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 8 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 25 Community Colleges
- 9 Online Colleges
Kansas’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 20 liberal arts colleges in Kansas. To be ranked among the 30 best liberal arts colleges in Kansas, schools must fully accredited institutions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Kansas 2023
- #5 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024 #5 Most Affordable 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: $7,774Expenses: $15,440Starting Salary: $44,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
52%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Emporia State University
Cost of Degree: $7,001Expenses: $14,658Starting Salary: $40,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
- #9 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #14 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024 #7 Most Affordable 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: $5,430Expenses: $14,185Starting Salary: $42,700Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
- #17 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Colleges in Kansas 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Arizona
- #5 Top 10 Best Online Business Management Bachelor's Programs
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Arizona 2024
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Kansas
- #13 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
28%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
980/20
Career Outlook for degree at Ottawa University
Cost of Degree: $33,380Expenses: $16,774Starting Salary: $48,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ottawa University known for?
Ottawa University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
- Business
- Biology
- History
- Education
- Literature
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
45%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/22
Career Outlook for degree at Friends University
Cost of Degree: $31,812Expenses: $14,000Starting Salary: $46,900Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Friends University known for?
Friends University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- Literature
- Business
- Computer Science
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
68%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/25
Career Outlook for degree at Benedictine College
Cost of Degree: $33,720Expenses: $17,230Starting Salary: $45,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Benedictine College known for?
Benedictine College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
32%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Kansas Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $32,470Expenses: $14,000Starting Salary: $43,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Kansas Wesleyan University known for?
Kansas Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Engineering
- Literature
- History
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Education
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
38%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/19
Career Outlook for degree at Southwestern College
Cost of Degree: $36,650Expenses: $17,600Starting Salary: $54,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southwestern College known for?
Southwestern College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Religious Studies
- Business
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$30K
Graduation
58%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Hesston College
Cost of Degree: $29,952Expenses: $14,994Starting Salary: $43,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hesston College known for?
Hesston College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Kansas 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
52%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
975/21
Career Outlook for degree at Bethel College
Cost of Degree: $32,090Expenses: $15,812Starting Salary: $45,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bethel College known for?
Bethel College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- Literature
- Communications
- Biology
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- History
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #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
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: $35,050Expenses: $13,310Starting Salary: $45,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tabor College known for?
Tabor College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- History
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Business
- Medical
- Biology
- Education
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
- #10 Best Christian Colleges in Kansas 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Kansas 2024 #15 20 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
42%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1017/20
Career Outlook for degree at MidAmerica Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $34,832Expenses: $20,177Starting Salary: $49,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is MidAmerica Nazarene University known for?
MidAmerica Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Literature
- History
- Business
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Education
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #24 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #4 Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Kansas 2024 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Kansas
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
52%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Newman University, Wichita
Cost of Degree: $34,400Expenses: $13,986Starting Salary: $47,900Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
24%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Donnelly College
Cost of Degree: $10,372Starting Salary: $28,500What is Donnelly College known for?
Donnelly College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
49%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1014/20
Career Outlook for degree at McPherson College
Cost of Degree: $33,536Expenses: $15,012Starting Salary: $43,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is McPherson College known for?
McPherson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Literature
- History
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Education
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
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: $30,000Expenses: $14,836Starting Salary: $40,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
29%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
951/18
Career Outlook for degree at Bethany College
Cost of Degree: $31,305Expenses: $21,209Starting Salary: $45,100Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bethany College known for?
Bethany College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Kansas #20 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
39%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1000/19
Career Outlook for degree at University of Saint Mary
Cost of Degree: $32,540Expenses: $13,860Starting Salary: $42,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Saint Mary known for?
University of Saint Mary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$21K
Graduation
31%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Central Christian College of Kansas
Cost of Degree: $20,650Expenses: $11,770Starting Salary: $34,800Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central Christian College of Kansas known for?
Central Christian College of Kansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Kansas’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of 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
- Bethel College
- Benedictine College
- Kansas Wesleyan University
- Tabor College
- Pittsburg State University
- McPherson College
- Emporia State University
- Sterling College
- Newman University, Wichita
- Fort Hays State University
- Bethany College
- University of Saint Mary
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.