Best Colleges in Kansas

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Best Accredited Colleges

#1 Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

$17465

70%

Featuring more than 70 fully online and accredited programs, Kansas State University ranks as the best online college in Kansas. In addition to certificates, distance learners can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields such as animal science, electrical and computer engineering, personal financial planning, and youth development. In an effort to make online education even more accessible, K-State offers scholarships specifically for students pursuing their undergraduate or graduate degree online. To receive consideration for one or more of the university's Global Campus Scholarships, online learners complete only one application per year. The university awards scholarships on the basis of financial need and academic merit, and additional funding is available to military service members, teachers, and female students. Admission requirements vary across online programs, but undergraduate applicants typically must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some bachelor's programs may also require ACT or SAT scores. Prospective graduate learners generally need a bachelor's degree and may also need to submit letters of recommendation and GRE or GMAT scores.

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#2 Wichita State University

Wichita, KS

$13541

48%

Online programs at Wichita State University equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in fields such as business administration, dental hygiene, homeland security, and special education. A fully online degree completion program also gives learners the opportunity to quickly earn a bachelor's by transferring credits from other colleges or universities and studying at their own pace. Military personnel may also receive college credit for their training and service. WSU places a premium on experiential learning and encourages all students to participate in internships, clinical placements, and field-based capstone projects. In many cases, online learners can even earn credit for applying their classroom learning to new projects and initiatives at their current places of employment. Although first-year applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores, WSU does not require prospective students over the age of 21 to take an entrance exam. To receive credit for prior college-level coursework, transfer applicants must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in these classes.

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#3 Friends University

Wichita, KS

$21304

34%

A Christian university of Quaker heritage, Friends University hosts both bachelor's and master's programs in elementary education, computer science and information systems, cybersecurity, and healthcare leadership. Business administration students can also elect to enroll in the university's 4+1 program, earning both a bachelor's and master's degree online in just five years of study. Friends is deeply committed to the academic and professional success of students. Coaches and advisors provide personalized advice to online and in-person learners, helping them choose a major, identify internship opportunities, craft resumes and cover letters, and prepare for interviews. Online students can also participate in a job shadowing program with Friends alumni in their area. To enter a bachelor's program, you must possess a high school diploma and take either the ACT or SAT. Applicants typically must hold at least a 2.0 high school GPA and an ACT score of at least 18, though prospective students who do not meet these requirements may still apply for conditional admission.

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#4 University of Saint Mary

Leavenworth, KS

$20839

44%

Founded in 1923 by Catholic nuns, the University of Saint Mary operates a main campus in Leavenworth, Kansas, and delivers evening and graduate classes in Overland Park. The school offers 30 majors, minors, and concentrations to more than 1,300 students. USM offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, business, behavioral and social science, education, STEM, and health sciences. Students can also select one of eight graduate programs, including an MS in athletic training or a doctorate in physical therapy. Pre-professional areas of study in healthcare include nursing, information management, pre-chiropractic, and pre-osteopathic. Other pre-professional programs include pre-vet, pre-law, and pre-engineering. USM provides some accelerated professional programs in partnership with other universities. USM’s rolling admissions process requires a minimum ACT score of 18 or SAT score of 970 and a minimum 2.5 GPA. The school automatically grants admission to transfer students with an associate degree from an accredited college. Online students benefit from USM’s lowest tuition rates. The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

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#5 Ottawa University-Kansas City

Overland Park, KS

$11976

46%

Formed in 1865 through an agreement between the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma and Baptist educators, Ottawa University now serves more than 4,000 students. Learners can take classes at two residential campuses -- including the main campus in Ottawa -- as well as four campuses across three states and online. OU offers academic programs through schools of arts and sciences, business, and education. Undergraduate arts and sciences programs include addiction counseling, Christian studies and ministry, nursing, and public safety. Graduate degrees and certificates are also available in counseling and therapy. OU’s business school offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 10 concentration areas, including leadership and healthcare management. The school of education provides teachers and other educators training through seven bachelor’s programs, two graduate programs, and seven endorsements. Tuition varies by program, but all undergraduate and online courses are the same. Members of the Ottawa Tribe may attend at no cost. OU holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

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#6 Central Christian College of Kansas

McPherson, KS

$8986

22%

To help fulfill a mission of providing a Christ-centered education to any student who seeks it, Central Christian College of Kansas delivers eight undergraduate programs in an entirely online format. In addition to associate degrees in both general studies and criminal justice, online learners at the college can seek a bachelor's in healthcare administration, health and human services, organizational leadership, or psychology. The college pairs each incoming online student with a dedicated student success advisor who provides one-on-one support from enrollment through graduation. These advisors help learners apply for financial aid, choose or design their own major, and access a variety of academic, career, and spiritual counseling services. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate, though CCC does not require ACT or SAT scores. Students with previous college-level courses may receive credit for this work if they maintained at least a 2.0 GPA. Currently, the college does not provide institutional scholarships to online students.

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#7 Tabor College

Hillsboro, KS

$23815

38%

The average online student at Tabor College spends 6-12 hours each week on their coursework, a course load that ensures they can continue their education without leaving their job or giving up other outside responsibilities. In many of the college's self-paced programs, learners can choose to advance through the material as soon as they demonstrate mastery of core concepts and skills. Online learners at Tabor explore subjects such as Christian studies, athletic administration leadership, and ministry entrepreneurship and innovation. Associate programs at the college serve students who want to quickly qualify for entry-level roles, while bachelor's and master's programs cater to learners interested in professional and managerial positions. You must possess a high school diploma or GED diploma to enter an undergraduate program at Tabor, though the college does not require ACT or SAT scores. Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor's degree. During the admissions process, all prospective students must indicate their religious affiliation.

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#8 McPherson College

McPherson, KS

$21954

36%

Founded in 1887, McPherson College serves a mostly residential student body of 800. Located in central Kansas, this private liberal arts college affiliated with the Church of the Brethren offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 30 areas of study, as well as a unique student-designed major. Students can pursue majors, minors, and areas of emphasis in numerous fields, including English, history, math, environmental stewardship, behavioral sciences, and Spanish. The college also offers pre-professional programs in automotive restoration, business administration, health and physical education, and health science. McPherson’s teacher education programs include three paths to licensure and an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program. McPherson prefers applicants with a 3.0 GPA and an ACT score of 20 or SAT score of 940. The college offers a student debt project that enables students to graduate without loans through employment, grants, and mentoring. McPherson College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

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#9 Washburn University

Topeka, KS

$13170

39%

Students who already hold an associate degree can enroll in one of five fully online degree-completion programs at Washburn University. Options include a bachelor's in human services, technology administration, health science, and criminal justice. Learners may also elect to pursue a bachelor's in integrated studies, working with a faculty advisor to create an individualized program of study that aligns with their academic interests and career goals. The university also offers a fully online, four-year bachelor's program in health science, with concentrations available in health services administration, medical imaging, and medical laboratory science. Online learners not ready to commit to a full degree program can instead seek a professional certificate in respiratory therapy or diagnostic medical sonography. Most online programs at WU require applicants to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA while earning their associate degree. To enroll in the four-year program in health science, you must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.

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#10 Kansas Wesleyan University

Salina, KS

$25631

32%

Along with a fully online MBA that students can earn in just one year, Kansas Wesleyan University delivers online and accredited bachelor's degrees in emergency management, criminal justice, and nursing. Online programs at the university provide additional flexibility, but they feature the same faculty, assignments, and overall academic rigor as on-campus offerings. Online learners can further customize their learning through various concentrations and minors. For example, the university's bachelor's in emergency management gives students the option to focus on business continuity or unmanned aircraft systems, while the undergraduate program in criminal justice allows learners to earn endorsements in domestic violence or offender management. Undergraduate applicants must hold a 2.5 high school GPA, a GED score of at least 550, or rank within the top 50% of their senior class. They must also earn a composite ACT score of at least 18 or an SAT score of at least 860. The online MBA program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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#11 University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

$18365

63%

At the University of Kansas, online students can explore subjects such as applied behavioral science, civil engineering, environmental geology, and occupational therapy. Many degrees and certificates at the university also offer a hybrid format, giving learners the option to supplement their online education with classroom learning experiences. Online courses at KU run for four, eight, and 16 weeks and cost the same as on-campus classes. While students must meet weekly reading and assignment deadlines, they can study on their own schedule. In addition, all instructors host both physical and online office hours. The college facilitates student engagement and collaboration in online courses through discussion boards, wikis, and chat rooms. To qualify for undergraduate admission, you typically must possess at least a 3.0 high school GPA and a 24 ACT score (or an SAT score of 1160). Applicants with a 3.25 GPA or higher may earn admission with a composite ACT score as low as 21 (or 1060 on the SAT).

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#12 Newman University

Wichita, KS

$14663

52%

A university grounded in Catholic values and traditions, Newman University offers eight online bachelor's and master's degrees in data analytics, organizational leadership, theological studies, and education. Online students may also choose to pursue a bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies, working closely with an academic advisor to customize their undergraduate experience. Online classes at NU begin every eight weeks, allowing students to schedule their coursework around busy times at work or home. Online learners may also take evening and weekend classes at the university's main campus in Wichita or one of five satellite locations in Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. The university's interdisciplinary studies program caters to working professionals. Prospective students must hold at least 30 credits from another accredited institution and graduate from high school at least eight years before applying. Other undergraduate programs at NU require high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Graduate applicants must possess a bachelor's degree, usually with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

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#13 Cleveland University-Kansas City

Overland Park, KS

$16883

100%

Founded in 1922 as a chiropractic college, Cleveland University-Kansas City gained university status in 2015. Located in Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City, the school offers a 10-trimester doctor of chiropractic (DC) degree. Students can also pursue related health sciences degrees and certifications in health education, human biology, occupational therapy, and radiologic technology. For students entering an allied health career, CUKC offers an 18-month associate in biological sciences that includes pre-allied health coursework. AAS degree options include occupational therapy assistant or radiologic technologist. Cleveland’s BS in human biology offers a 3-year accelerated option. Students can also pursue an online master’s in health education and promotion. Admission requirements vary by program, but all applicants must apply online. Doctoral applicants must meet physical requirements and undergraduate course requirements. Tuition varies by degree level. CUKC holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and programmatic accreditation from the Council on Chiropractic Education.

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#14 Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, KS

$13841

47%

Regardless of where they live, all online students at Pittsburg State University pay the equivalent of in-state tuition. In addition, roughly 80% of all learners at the university receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships made available specifically to transfer students, the children of Pitt State alumni, and aspiring teachers and nurses. Online programs of study include construction technology management, human resource development, sport and leisure service management, and environmental education. Pitt State also hosts hundreds of individual distance education courses and online certificates in autism spectrum disorders and language arts instruction. Undergraduate applicants must submit official copies of their high school transcripts, though Pitt State does not require ACT or SAT scores. Individuals applying to master's programs must hold a bachelor's degree, while those applying to specialist and doctoral programs must hold a master's. Graduate programs in business may additionally require at least three years of relevant managerial experience.

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#15 Emporia State University

Emporia, KS

$14013

45%

Along with administering regional campuses across the country, Emporia State University provides online access to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in business administration, early childhood education, instructional design and technology, and quantitative economics. The university delivers online coursework asynchronously, making it easier to schedule your learning around personal or professional obligations. ESU offers a host of support services to online students. In addition to 24/7 technical support, distance learners can take advantage of individual academic and enrollment advising, web-based tutoring and study skills workshops, and writing and research assistance through an online lab. To apply to ESU as an undergraduate, you must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. You must also hold a 2.0 high school GPA or higher and meet at least one of the following requirements: graduating within the top one-third of your high school class, an ACT score of at least 21, or an SAT score of at least 1060.

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#16 MidAmerica Nazarene University

Olathe, KS

$19803

51%

Online learners at MidAmerica Nazarene University work toward bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration, education, and nursing. The university also offers an accelerated associate of arts in business that learners can earn in as little as 18 months. Students in this program can opt to complete all of their coursework online or attend class on campus just one night per week. Online coursework at the university features asynchronous formats, and professors teach from a Christian perspective. In addition to the university holding regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, individual programs at MNU receive programmatic accreditation from leading organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. First-year applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores, though MNU does not set minimum academic requirements for admission. The university holds transfer agreements with five community colleges in the state, making it easier to apply credits from an associate program toward a bachelor's.

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#17 Baker University

Baldwin City, KS

$22393

57%

The very first four-year university founded in Kansas, Baker University awards online degrees in areas such as strategic business communication, instructional design and performance technology, nursing, and psychology. Online options cater to nondegree students, including several graduate business certificates and professional development courses required for teacher recertification. All online instructors at BU receive specialized training in distance education. In addition, all faculty at the university hold at least a master's degree, and many also possess a doctorate in their teaching discipline. Outside of the classroom, online students can access 24/7 writing and research support and up to two hours of subject-specific tutoring each term. Applicants with less than 12 transferable credits from another accredited college or university must submit high school or GED transcripts, though BU does not require any prospective students to take the ACT or SAT. Graduate applicants must possess a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best colleges in Kansas?

Some of the best colleges in Kansas include the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, and Emporia State University.

2. How do I apply to colleges in Kansas?

To apply to colleges in Kansas, you typically need to complete an online application form, submit your high school transcripts, provide standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), write an essay, and obtain letters of recommendation.

3. What majors and programs are offered at Kansas colleges?

Kansas colleges offer a wide range of majors and programs, including but not limited to business, engineering, education, nursing, computer science, psychology, biology, and fine arts. Each college may have its own unique offerings, so it's best to explore their websites for specific details.

4. How much does tuition cost at Kansas colleges?

Tuition costs vary depending on the college and program of study. In-state tuition for public colleges in Kansas can range from around $5,000 to $15,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition can be higher. Private colleges may have higher tuition rates, typically ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 per year.

5. Are there scholarships available for Kansas college students?

Yes, there are scholarships available for Kansas college students. Many colleges offer their own scholarships based on academic merit, extracurricular involvement, or financial need. Additionally, there are external scholarships and grants that students can apply for through organizations and foundations.

6. What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Kansas colleges?

The student-to-faculty ratio varies among Kansas colleges. Generally, larger universities may have higher ratios, while smaller colleges tend to have lower ratios. It's important to research individual colleges to find out their specific student-to-faculty ratios.

7. Can I live on campus at Kansas colleges?

Most Kansas colleges offer on-campus housing options for students. Living on campus can provide a convenient and immersive college experience. However, availability may vary, so it's recommended to contact the college's housing department for more information.

8. What extracurricular activities are available at Kansas colleges?

Kansas colleges offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations, intramural sports, performing arts groups, community service opportunities, and more. These activities provide students with opportunities to pursue their interests, make friends, and enhance their college experience.

9. Are there internship and job placement opportunities for Kansas college students?

Many Kansas colleges have career services departments that assist students in finding internships and job placement opportunities. These departments often provide resources such as resume building, interview preparation, and networking events to help students succeed in their career pursuits.

10. Can international students apply to colleges in Kansas?

Yes, international students can apply to colleges in Kansas. Each college may have specific requirements for international applicants, such as English language proficiency tests (TOEFL or IELTS) and visa documentation. It's recommended for international students to contact the college's international admissions office for detailed information and assistance.