Best Online Colleges In Kansas

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.

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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.

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.

• Agriculture

  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.

• Biology

  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.

• Business

  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.

• Communication

  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.

• Engineering

  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.

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.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

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.

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.

Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2022