Best Online Colleges in Kansas
Kansas offers a diverse array of online education options. The state boasts over 30 post-secondary institutions, with 30 of them providing online programs.
These include public universities, community colleges, and private institutions. Together, they offer a wide range of online degrees and certificates across various fields of study.
Students interested in online learning in Kansas can choose from hundreds of certificate programs, thousands of associate and bachelor's degree options, and numerous graduate-level offerings.
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.These programs cover a broad spectrum of subjects, allowing students to pursue their educational goals in fields that match their interests and career aspirations.'These programs cover a broad spectrum of subjects, allowing students to pursue their educational goals in fields that match their interests and career aspirations.
Key Takeaways
- Kansas has a robust selection of online colleges offering diverse program options
- Online education in Kansas spans certificate to doctoral level programs
- Students can pursue a wide range of subjects through distance learning in the state
Best Online Colleges in Kansas
University of Kansas
Location: Lawrence, KS
Admission Rate: 88%
Average SAT Score: 1192
Undergraduate Enrollment: 18,539
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $24,888
In-state Tuition and Fees: $11,167
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $28,035
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $61,945
Kansas State University
Location: Manhattan, KS
Admission Rate: 95%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 14,762
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $24,923
In-state Tuition and Fees: $10,448
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $26,519
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,250
Median Earnings (10 years): $57,262
Baker University
Location: Baldwin City, KS
Admission Rate: 92%
Average SAT Score: 1050
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,115
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $47,258
In-state Tuition and Fees: $32,320
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $32,320
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,855
Fort Hays State University
Location: Hays, KS
Admission Rate: 88%
Average SAT Score: 1051
Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,066
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $18,598
In-state Tuition and Fees: $5,430
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $15,870
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $48,928
Pittsburg State University
Location: Pittsburg, KS
Admission Rate: 86%
Average SAT Score: 1090
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,221
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $19,841
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,970
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $19,654
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,969
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,579
Washburn University
Location: Topeka, KS
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,872
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $20,321
In-state Tuition and Fees: $9,154
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $20,438
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,127
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,774
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Location: Olathe, KS
Admission Rate: 67%
Average SAT Score: 1048
Undergraduate Enrollment: 975
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $51,534
In-state Tuition and Fees: $34,832
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $34,832
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,972
Wichita State University
Location: Wichita, KS
Admission Rate: 95%
Average SAT Score: 1118
Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,304
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $20,964
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,866
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,226
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,532
Emporia State University
Location: Emporia, KS
Admission Rate: 96%
Average SAT Score: 1090
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,663
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $19,376
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,001
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $14,918
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,601
Sterling College
Location: Craftsbury Common, VT
Admission Rate: 93%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 86
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $52,300
In-state Tuition and Fees: $39,200
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $39,200
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $23,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $30,573
Barclay College
Location: Haviland, KS
Admission Rate: 53%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 152
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $38,490
In-state Tuition and Fees: $24,990
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $24,990
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $27,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,355
Tabor College
Location: Hillsboro, KS
Admission Rate: 53%
Average SAT Score: 1035
Undergraduate Enrollment: 507
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $46,710
In-state Tuition and Fees: $35,050
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $35,050
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $23,887
Median Earnings (10 years): $54,058
Friends University
Location: Wichita, KS
Admission Rate: 63%
Average SAT Score: 1112
Undergraduate Enrollment: 993
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $43,844
In-state Tuition and Fees: $31,812
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $31,812
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,113
Ottawa University-Ottawa
Location: Ottawa, KS
Admission Rate: 78%
Average SAT Score: 993
Undergraduate Enrollment: 851
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $50,165
In-state Tuition and Fees: $33,380
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $33,380
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,552
Sterling College
Location: Sterling, KS
Admission Rate: 61%
Average SAT Score: 1076
Undergraduate Enrollment: 566
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $42,886
In-state Tuition and Fees: $30,000
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $30,000
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,625
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,846
Southwestern College
Location: Winfield, KS
Admission Rate: 70%
Average SAT Score: 1026
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,050
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $51,374
In-state Tuition and Fees: $36,650
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $36,650
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,646
College Costs in Kansas
Public four-year colleges in Kansas typically charge around $5,362 yearly for tuition. Community and technical colleges offer lower rates, averaging $1,642 annually. Private online schools have a wider range, with tuition between $6,480 and $20,506 per year. These figures highlight the varying costs across different types of institutions in the state.
College Accreditation in the Sunflower State
Kansas colleges and universities often seek accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC is part of the North Central Commission of Colleges and Schools, one of six regional accrediting bodies in the U.S.
Regional accreditation is crucial for students. It affects:
- Degree recognition
- Transfer options
- Job prospects
When choosing a school in Kansas, look for HLC approval or another recognized accrediting agency. This step is key for both online and traditional programs.
Here's a quick checklist for students:
- Check the school's accreditation status
- Verify the accrediting body is recognized
- Ensure accreditation covers your specific program
Taking these steps helps ensure your education meets quality standards and will be valued by other institutions and employers.
Find Scholarships Using Advanced Search Tools
Scholarship seekers can use advanced search options to find opportunities. Many websites offer filters to narrow down results. Users can search by state to find local awards. This helps target relevant scholarships more efficiently. Institutional scholarships from specific schools are also searchable. Advanced tools make the scholarship hunt easier and more effective.
Employment Landscape
Kansas boasts a job market with promising prospects. The state's unemployment rate sits below the national average, indicating a robust economy. Government positions form the backbone of employment, with education, healthcare, trade, and transportation following closely behind.
Growth areas in Kansas include:
- Marketing analysis
- Software development
- Health education
These fields offer exciting opportunities for job seekers.
Kansas wages differ from national figures:
| Metric | Kansas | National |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Wage | $39,290 | $42,871 |
| Median Annual Income | $30,590 | - |
While the state's average wage falls below the national level, income potential varies widely:
- Top 10% of earners: Over $70,270 annually
- Bottom 10% of earners: Under $17,000 annually
This range suggests room for career growth and advancement. Job seekers with skills in high-demand fields may find ample opportunities to build rewarding careers in Kansas.
Online Learning Resources
Kansas offers many tools to help students explore distance education options. The Kansas Board of Regents created a search engine for online schools and programs in the state. This helps people find the right fit for their educational needs.
Students can access digital publications and research materials through the Kansas State Library. This service is open to those with valid student IDs or library cards.
The state legislature developed an online platform for researching higher education choices in Kansas. This tool aims to make the process easier for prospective students.
For those interested in job prospects, the U.S. Department of Labor provides current employment data for Kansas. This information can guide career decisions when choosing an online program.
Kansas also offers resources to find financial aid. The state's Department of Education has a database of scholarships, grants, and loans for students to explore.
Additional Details
Kansas, located in the southern United States, covers 82,278 square miles. The state's name comes from the Kansas River, which was named after a Native American tribe.
The population of Kansas is around 2,853,118 people. It ranks as the 19th smallest state by population. Young people make up a big part of Kansas, with 43% of residents under 30 years old.
Wichita is the largest city in Kansas, with 382,368 residents. Other major cities include:
- Overland Park
- Kansas City
- Topeka (the capital)
- Olathe
Education levels in Kansas are slightly below the national average. Here's a breakdown of educational attainment for residents over 25:
| Education Level | Percentage |
|---|---|
| High school | 17.9% |
| Associate's | 5.1% |
| Bachelor's | 4% |
| Graduate | 1% |
Online learning can help increase these numbers. Distance education allows more people to access higher education, regardless of location or schedule.
Kansas's online resources support various learning styles:
- Synchronous courses: Live, scheduled online classes
- Asynchronous learning: Self-paced study materials
- Hybrid programs: Mix of online and in-person elements
Academic advisors play a key role in online education. They help students:
- Choose the right courses
- Stay on track for graduation
- Access support services
Online degree programs in Kansas cover many fields:
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
- Technology
- Liberal Arts
Certificate programs are also available for specific skills or career advancement.
Kansas places a high priority on higher education and there are multiple possible accrediting institutions from which colleges and universities can seek accreditation. These institutions include the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools , the American Counsel on Private School Accreditation, and the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools.
The online learning environment in Kansas continues to grow. Schools invest in user-friendly platforms and engaging digital content. This makes distance education more accessible and effective for students across the state.