Online Schools and Colleges in Kansas
Accredited Degree Programs, Scholarships and Resources for Top Schools
There are six state universities, 26 community colleges, and several more technical schools in the state of Kansas, with more than 226,000 students enrolled between them. But the value of college is underrated in parts of the state, despite well-paying jobs that require a college degree, such as nurses and engineers, being highly in-demand. With the expansion of online learning, earning a degree is more accessible and flexible than it used to be; if you want to learn more about how a college degree can increase your career and salary opportunities and how to find the right college for your needs, take a look at our guide to identifying the best online colleges in Kansas below.
- Best Online Colleges in Kansas
- Find a Degree Program in Kansas
- How Much Do Grads in Kansas Make?
- Paying for Online College in Kansas
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- School Accreditation in Kansas
- Adult Education in Kansas
- Resources for Kansas Students
- Accredited Colleges and Universities in Kansas
Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2020
Earning an online degree can lead to advanced career opportunities and higher earning potential. Online schools and colleges in Kansas offer a variety of affordable, accredited programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a bachelor’s degree earn a median of $461 more per week than those with only a high school diploma.
This guide includes details about some of the best online schools and colleges in Kansas, along with information about choosing the best program for your needs and securing financial aid.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Baker University
- Baldwin City, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,300
- Out-of-state$29,300
- In-State$10,800
- Out-of-state$10,800
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled2,595
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Wichita State University
- Wichita, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,709
- Out-of-state$15,890
- In-State$5,435
- Out-of-state$13,348
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled15,342
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,735
- Out-of-state$25,251
- In-State$10,212
- Out-of-state$23,050
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled21,719
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Pittsburg State University
- Pittsburg, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,694
- Out-of-state$17,038
- In-State$6,678
- Out-of-state$17,510
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled6,645
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Fort Hays State University
- Hays, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,990
- Out-of-state$14,070
- In-State$3,582
- Out-of-state$10,206
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled15,908
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Barclay College
- Haviland, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,000
- Out-of-state$16,000
- In-State$7,110
- Out-of-state$7,110
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled225
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
University of Kansas
- Lawrence, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,092
- Out-of-state$26,960
- In-State$9,989
- Out-of-state$23,951
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled27,552
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Newman University
- Wichita, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,386
- Out-of-state$30,386
- In-State$10,458
- Out-of-state$10,458
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled3,205
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment24%
- AccreditationYes
MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Olathe, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,036
- Out-of-state$31,036
- In-State$13,797
- Out-of-state$13,797
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled1,909
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Washburn University
- Topeka, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,594
- Out-of-state$19,346
- In-State$9,306
- Out-of-state$18,788
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,285
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Tabor College
- Hillsboro, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,400
- Out-of-state$28,400
- In-State$9,162
- Out-of-state$9,162
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled642
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
Southwestern College
- Winfield, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,500
- Out-of-state$31,500
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$11,340
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate52%
- Students Enrolled1,512
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Sterling College
- Sterling, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,000
- Out-of-state$26,000
- In-State$13,860
- Out-of-state$13,860
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate40%
- Students Enrolled653
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
University of Saint Mary
- Leavenworth, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,860
- Out-of-state$28,860
- In-State$11,124
- Out-of-state$11,124
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled1,240
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
Fort Scott Community College
- Fort Scott, KS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,860
- Out-of-state$1,860
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,827
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
City Spotlight: Colleges in Kansas
Wichita, KS
The largest city in Kansas, Wichita has an abundance of postsecondary educational institutions, as expected, with 14 throughout the region. Kansas cares about education: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 17.9 percent of Wichita residents over the age of 25 hold a bachelor’s degree, and more than 10 percent of the city’s population has earned a graduate degree. The state has recognized the need to provide traditional and nontraditional students with training and academic offerings to build a strong workforce.
Colleges and Universities in Wichita
COLLEGE | SIZE | TUITION | TYPE |
---|---|---|---|
Wichita State University | 18,656 | $5,005 | Public |
Newman University | 3,957 | $20,866 | Not For Profit (Private) |
Friends University | 3,847 | $20,880 | Not For Profit (Private) |
Wichita Area Technical College | 3,778 | $5,040 | Public |
How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I’m Looking for in Kansas?
Kansas offers many options for online learners. Prospective students can find information about each school’s online offerings by reviewing the school’s website and by contacting the institution directly. Wichita State University maintains a separate page listing online majors. The Kansas Board of Regents provides a list and interactive map of all public postsecondary institutions in the state.
How Much More Do College Grads in Kansas Make?
In Kansas and throughout the nation, average salaries tend to increase with higher levels of education. The table below illustrates the correlation between education level and earning potential.
Annual Full-Time Wage and Salary by Educational Attainment in the U.S
LESS THAN A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA | ASSOCIATE DEGREE |
---|---|---|
$28,756 | $37,960 | $44,824 |
Annual Full-Time Wage and Salary by Educational Attainment in the U.S.
BACHELOR’S DEGREE | MASTER’S DEGREE | DOCTORAL DEGREE |
---|---|---|
$62,296 | $74,568 | $94,900 |
Paying for Online College in Kansas: Tuition and Financial Aid
Mirroring the nationwide trend, Kansas tuition rates have steadily increased in recent years. The tables below compare tuition costs in Kansas to the national averages. The average tuition rate for in-state students at public colleges in Kansas is on par with the national average. Out-of-state learners pay about $3,000 less than the national average. Private institutions in Kansas charge about $9,000 less per year than the national average.
Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: Public Colleges and Universities
IN-STATE TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | NATIONAL AVERAGE |
---|---|---|
$8,737 | $22,615 | $9,037 (In State)$25,657 (Out of State) |
Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees: Private Colleges and Universities
TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | NATIONAL AVERAGE |
---|---|---|
$21,316 | N/A | $30,731 |
Cost Considerations for Online Students in Kansas
The figures above do not include additional costs, such as room and board. Learners should research fees and expenses at each prospective school. Below are some cost considerations for online students.
- Required Travel: Some online programs require one or more campus visits for orientation or residencies. Learners should consider the cost of transportation and lodging.
- Specific Degree Costs: Costs vary by major. For example, a nursing program may require a fee to cover laboratory practice or clinical experiences.
- Tuition Agreements for Out-of-State Students: Kansas participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program which reduces the cost of tuition for students in some nearby states who attend college in Kansas.
- Recurring Technology Costs: Some online programs’ tuition rates include the cost of a computer or online textbooks. However, most distance learners must pay for these resources separately.
- Flat Online Costs: Many schools charge an online learning fee to help cover costs associated with offering distance education classes.
Qualifying for In-State Tuition in Kansas
In-state students typically pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state learners. To qualify for in-state tuition in Kansas, students must have resided in the state for at least one year for a purpose other than education and must intend to remain in the state permanently. Learners can prove residency through a driver’s license, voter registration records, or full-time employment records.
Some online schools and colleges in Kansas charge all online learners the same tuition rates, regardless of residency status. Students who live in a state that participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program can qualify for reduced tuition rates at Kansas schools. Learners should consult their prospective school for specific residency requirements.
Paying for College in Kansas: Scholarships and Financial Aid
Most students need assistance to fund their college education. Scholarships and grants are ideal forms of funding, since they do not require repayment. Below is a sampling of some scholarships and grants available to students at online schools and colleges in Kansas.
Scholarships for Kansas College Students
Grants for Kansas College Students
The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in Kansas
Accreditation demonstrates that a school meets set academic standards and prepares learners to succeed in the workforce. Independent accrediting agencies evaluate schools based on factors including curricula, support services, and faculty. The following sections detail various types of accreditation and how to confirm an institution’s accreditation status.
Regional and National Accreditation
Regional accreditation, considered the most prestigious type of institutional accreditation, demonstrates that a school meets minimum academic standards. Learners who attend a school without regional accreditation cannot qualify for federal financial aid. Kansas institutions earn regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
National accreditation typically applies to technical and vocational schools. Degrees and credits earned from nationally accredited institutions do not generally transfer to regionally accredited schools.
Subject-Specific Accreditation
In addition to institutional accreditation, learners can look for programs that hold specialized accreditation. Subject-specific accreditation shows that a program meets educational and professional standards for the field. For example, the Department of Nursing at Fort Hays State University offers programs with accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited
To find out whether a school or program holds accreditation, you can consult the online directories from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Students can search the directories by institution, program, and accrediting agency.
Online College and Adult Education in Kansas
Online learning options can help adult students obtain education and training to pursue new careers and higher salaries. The following sections include statistics and information about online learning and adult education in Kansas.
By the Numbers: Adult Education in Kansas
Adult learners in Kansas can earn their high school diploma online for free.
In 2019, more than 6,600 adult students participated in Kansas adult education programs, including adult basic education, English as a second language, and adult secondary education programs.
Kansas technical and community colleges helped more than 3,000 adult learners complete career pathway programs between 2012 and 2015.
Adult Education Programs for Kansas Students
- Accelerating Opportunity in Kansas: This state program helps adult students earn postsecondary credentials. Learners in the program gain technical and career education while improving their basic skills.
- Kansas Online Learning Program Adult Learner Program: This tuition-free program allows adult learners in Kansas to earn their high school diploma online. Each student receives a computer, access to student services, and online textbooks.
- GED Accelerator: This program provides funding for adult learners who are concurrently earning their GED and a postsecondary credential.
Online College Resources for Kansas Students
Many organizations provide resources to support learners attending online schools and colleges in Kansas. The resources below can help students locate financial aid opportunities, learn about online programs, and access services for distance learners.
- Kansas Online Learning Program: This program offers online learning resources for students of all ages, including adult learners. The program charges minimal student fees.
- Kansas Residency FAQ: This webpage provides information to help prospective online students learn whether they qualify for in-state tuition rates in Kansas.
- Midwest Student Exchange Program: This tuition reciprocity program makes attending college in Kansas more affordable for residents of participating states.
- Student Financial Aid in Kansas: Managed by the Kansas Board of Regents, this website provides information about scholarship and grant opportunities for Kansas students.
- KU Online: This page provides information about online programs and courses available from the University of Kansas.