Best Online Colleges In Kansas
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Kansas online colleges offer many affordable options for students. In-state students at public schools typically pay the most affordable rates. Students qualify for in-state tuition by living in the state for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment. Active-duty service members and their dependents qualify for in-state tuition automatically. Some Kansas online colleges offer in-state tuition or other tuition discounts to all online students regardless of residency.
This guide ranks the best colleges in Kansas. It also covers information on common bachelor’s programs in Kansas, career and salary outlooks for Kansas students, and scholarship and grant opportunities for Kansas students.
Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2022
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Fort Hays State University ranks as one of the top online colleges nationwide. At the accredited institution, distance learners can enroll in one of 24 online bachelor's programs. Students can also choose from 10 online master's programs. The school currently enrolls a total of 8,759 remote learners.
With a campus in Kansas, the public school teaches an average of 1,895 degree-seekers. Virtual learners complete their courses online from wherever they live in the United States. Online enrollees at the institution find many student services designed specifically for them. Students can take advantage of the online school's academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services.
The online college meets the demands of today's degree-seekers with programs available in many of the most popular fields. Graduates qualify for diverse career paths with the accredited degrees they earned at the school. The institution emphasizes affordability.
- 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
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Online learners can pursue affordable degrees at Kansas State University. The college offers a comprehensive catalog of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The institution’s programs provide training for entry-level and advanced careers. Nontraditional learners can enroll on a full- or part-time basis. The degree’s asynchronous curricula prioritize flexibility for students. The school offers hybrid degrees with in-person and online sessions. Online programs can offer personalized learning.
Undergraduates choose from four associate programs and 89 bachelor's programs. Nontraditional learners can pursue 26 online master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees. Nontraditional learners pay for their education with affordable tuition and generous financial aid.
Kansas State University Numbers:
Institution Status: Public
Distance Learners Enrolled: 5,850
Programs Available Online: 73
Online Bachelor’s Degrees: 13
Percentage of Enrollees Receiving Aid: 88%
- 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
Wichita State University
- Wichita, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A public institution located in Kansas, Wichita State University ranks among the best online schools. The accredited online school's academic offerings include 10 online bachelor's programs. Online enrollment for distance learning courses at the institution totals 7,796.
Remote learners use a virtual classroom environment to complete the coursework for their online degree. Program advisors help arrange for students to complete internships, practicums, and other in-person requirements in their local area. Many schools offer student services such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring for online learners. Graduates leave their program prepared to transition to the workforce because of the institution's many experiential learning opportunities.
The school's students can earn their online degree at an affordable tuition rate. Federal aid programs and scholarships are just some examples of the kinds of financial aid online students at the accredited institution can qualify for.
- 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
Barclay College
- Haviland, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
A private institution located in Haviland, Kansas, Barclay College ranks among the best online schools. Distance learners choose from four online bachelor's programs at the accredited online school. The institution's distance learning courses' online enrollment totals 119.
Remote learners use a virtual classroom environment to complete the coursework for their online degree. Internships, practicums, and other in-person requirements can be completed in a student's local area for many programs. Online learners get access to student services such as academic advising, career counseling, and online tutoring. The institution's experiential learning opportunities prepare graduates to enter the workforce.
The school's affordable tuition rates for online degrees appeal to many students. Financial aid, including federal aid programs and scholarships, are available to qualified online students at the accredited institution.
- 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
Baker University
- Baldwin City, KS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Kansas, Baker University is a private college. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online. Learners choose from a catalog of 56 online programs. Online programs provide a comprehensive liberal arts and professional education. Students can pursue degrees in a variety of majors.
The curricula blend classroom theory and practical experiences such as internships and practicums. Some online programs require limited on-campus requirements such as residencies. However, students often complete online programs with no campus visits. Professors bring real-world experience to the classroom. The school’s online services include academic tutoring. Baker University enrolls students at an admission rate of 88%. Online learners afford their education with the school’s affordable tuition and financial aid. Residents and nonresidents pay the same online tuition rates.
The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting body.
- 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
Why Choose Kansas for Online Higher Education?
The best colleges in Kansas prepare students for careers in the state’s growing industries. Some of the major industries in the state include advanced manufacturing, logistics and distribution, and aerospace and defense. The state’s agriculture and energy fields also need highly trained college graduates.
Students can meet with a career advisor to learn more about the state’s career opportunities. These professionals can provide learners with the latest information regarding job openings and trends.
Common Online Bachelor’s Programs in Kansas
The following majors help students prepare for careers in the state’s largest employment sectors.
Kansas features more than 45 million acres of farmland and ranks as the top wheat and sorghum producer in the United States. Common agriculture-related majors include agribusiness, agronomy, and horticulture.
Agriculture
More than 16,000 professionals work in Kansas’ bioscience sector, creating medicines for people and the state’s millions of livestock. Biology students can prepare for careers in this field by studying topics like microbiology, microbial genetics, and virology. Biology
Business majors study topics like business law and ethics, operations and supply chain management, and international business. Graduates can join the approximately 60,000 Kansans working in professional and corporate services. Business
Communication studies majors take courses on topics like speaker-audience communication, the rhetorical tradition, and cases in persuasion. Kansas’ major industries need communication experts to promote goods and services through media and public relations. Communication
Major Kansas manufacturers develop aerospace, food, petroleum, and chemical products. The state partners with 33 of the best colleges in Kansas to improve STEM education. Engineering students can specialize in several areas. For example, civil engineering students examine topics like green infrastructure, sustainable design, and advanced building materials. Engineering
Cost of Attending an Online College in Kansas
Online learning offers many financial advantages. For instance, online students often save on many of the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as housing and transportation costs. Additionally, some Kansas online colleges allow all online students to pay in-state tuition rates regardless of residency.
The following table outlines average undergraduate tuition rates in Kansas. Public four-year colleges charge out-of-state students more than private four-year colleges. As a result, out-of-state learners can save money on a degree by attending a private school or a public two-year college.
| Location | Public Four-Year College | Private Four-Year College | Public Two-Year College |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | $8,941 | $22,571 | $3,435 |
| Out-of-State | $23,302 | N/A | $4,491 |
Career and Salary Outlook for Students in Kansas
Graduates of Kansas online colleges can pursue diverse careers, several of which we outline below. Many of these careers offer strong projected job growth and high salary potential. However, some of these positions may require professional experience in addition to a bachelor’s degree.
Marketing Managers
Marketing managers collaborate with advertising and promotions managers to sell their employer’s goods and services. They research consumer demand, identify pricing strategies, and analyze competitor data. The profession requires an analytical mindset and strong interpersonal skills.Sales Managers
Sales managers lead sales teams, research marketing trends, and train new employees. Managers working for larger companies or organizations may perform additional tasks, such as assigning sales territories. Professionals in this role typically need a bachelor’s degree and significant work experience as a sales representative.Financial Managers
Financial managers monitor their employer’s finances, research market trends, and present findings to senior managers. They may possess one of many job titles, such as credit manager or controller. These professionals typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and related experience.Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and information systems managers maintain their employer’s computer hardware and software. They may research the latest technology trends, monitor networks for hackers and other malicious actors, and train employees on how to use various computer systems.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2018-2028) |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $164,760 | -5.5% |
| Marketing Managers | $145,440 | 8.1% |
| Sales Managers | $144,370 | 5.1% |
| Financial Managers | $135,720 | 16% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $124,350 | 11.3% |
Source: BLS, ProjectionsCentral
Kansas Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships can help students at Kansas online colleges pay for their degree. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for Kansas students.
| Scholarship | Amount | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship | Varies | The Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship awards funding to graduating high school seniors. Members of any minority group may apply. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. |
Kansas Military Service Scholarship | Varies | Honorably discharged veterans and active-duty military personnel who served in a war zone after September 11, 2001 qualify for this scholarship. Applicants must submit FAFSA results and their DD-214. |
Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship | Varies | Kansas residents training for a career as an RN or LVN can apply for this scholarship. The scholarship sponsor agrees to employ recipients after they graduate. |
Kansas Seed Industry Association Scholarship | $1,500 | College students majoring in agriculture, grain science, horticulture, or a related field can apply to this scholarship. High school seniors may also apply. Applicants must submit two references and official transcripts. |
The Rudd Scholarship Program | Varies | Kansas high school seniors with financial need can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and receive acceptance to one of three in-state universities. |
Factors to Consider for Online Kansas Schools
Do online credits cost more or less in Kansas?
Kansas ranks among the top 20 states for affordable college tuition.
What is the most affordable college in Kansas?
In 2020, Fort Hays State University charged the most affordable tuition rate of all Kansas four-year colleges and universities.
How long do you have to live in Kansas to get in-state tuition?
Kansas requires new residents to live in the state for 12 consecutive months before they qualify for in-state tuition. Public colleges and universities may waive this requirement for select groups.
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