Online education makes higher education possible for more students than ever before. One of the advantages of online coursework is the ability to attend class from anywhere, even outside your home state. What are the advantages of attending a Kansas online college as a Kansas resident? Are there are tuition disadvantages in going to an online college in Kansas as a non-resident? The purpose of this guide is to answer those questions, as well as provide information about applying for Kansas state-based financial aid and getting college credit for prior work and life experiences.
Best Online Colleges in Kansas: 2018
Choosing the right school for you depends on finding the one that most effectively meets your personal goals. Therefore, your method for choosing among the best accredited online colleges in Kansas depends on what you plan to achieve by going to college in Kansas and your available resources. For example, if you have significant financial limitations, you will probably sort through various schools to choose one of the best affordable online colleges in Kansas.
Methodology
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Accredited public or private not-for-profit institution
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At least 3 online associate degrees or certificate programs (2-year schools)
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At least 3 online bachelor’s or master’s degrees (4-year schools)
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Annual in-state tuition below $5,000 (2-year schools)
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Annual in-state tuition below $25,000 (4-year schools)
Colleges receive a total score based on performance in the following categories:
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Average in-state net price for first-time/full-time undergraduates
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Count and breadth of online programs available
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Student-teacher ratio
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6-year graduation rate (4-year schools only)
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% of beginning, full-time undergrads receiving scholarship/grant aid from the college
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Average $ of financial aid students receive directly from the college
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Availability of academic/career counseling services
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Availability of job placement services for students and graduates
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3-year loan default rate
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AC Online Peer-Based Value (PBV)*
*PBV is a proprietary metric that compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or a similar) qualitative score. It also compares the qualitative score of the program to the score of other programs with the same (or similar) cost. In short, the PBV calculation denotes the overall value – or ‘bang for your buck’ – of an online degree.
Our college rankings are backed by data collected and analyzed from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, a program managed by the National Center for Education Statistics. Surveying over 7,500 colleges annually, it is among the most longstanding and trusted providers of U.S. postsecondary information.
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Most recent “Final Release” data available as of October 2017
| Rank | University | Location | Score | Annual Tuition | # of Online Programs | Financial Aid % | Student-Teacher Ratio | Grad Rate | Credit for Experience | Placement Services | Counseling Services | University Information | |
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| 1 | Newman University | Wichita, KS | 100.00 | $23,700 | 10 | 98% | 14:1 | 50% | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 2 | University of Saint Mary | Leavenworth, KS | 99.94 | $23,750 | 12 | 96% | 8:1 | 53% | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 3 | Fort Hays State University | Hays, KS | 99.54 | $3,450 | 34 | 74% | 16:1 | 44% | no | yes | yes | ||
| 4 | Southwestern College | Winfield, KS | 98.68 | $24,685 | 31 | 91% | 8:1 | 53% | yes | no | yes | ||
| 5 | Tabor College | Hillsboro, KS | 98.65 | $23,100 | 3 | 100% | 12:1 | 54% | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 6 | Sterling College | Sterling, KS | 98.27 | $21,700 | 4 | 100% | 12:1 | 42% | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 7 | Emporia State University | Emporia, KS | 97.83 | $4,500 | 20 | 74% | 18:1 | 41% | no | yes | yes | ||
| 8 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | 97.79 | $8,223 | 20 | 68% | 19:1 | 60% | no | yes | yes | ||
| 9 | Washburn University | Topeka, KS | 97.68 | $5,952 | 14 | 64% | 13:1 | 37% | no | yes | yes | ||
| 10 | Wichita State University | Wichita, KS | 97.18 | $5,869 | 11 | 74% | 18:1 | 46% | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 11 | Ottawa University-Ottawa | Ottawa, KS | 97.15 | $24,370 | 13 | 99% | 18:1 | 34% | no | no | yes | ||
| 12 | Barclay College | Haviland, KS | 97.01 | $11,000 | 6 | 83% | 11:1 | 50% | yes | no | yes | ||
| 13 | University of Kansas | Lawrence, KS | 97.01 | $8,807 | 7 | 61% | 16:1 | 62% | no | yes | yes | ||
| 14 | Friends University | Wichita, KS | 96.88 | $24,450 | 15 | 93% | 11:1 | 32% | yes | no | yes | ||
| 15 | Central Christian College of Kansas | McPherson, KS | 96.39 | $15,854 | 7 | 58% | 24:1 | 40% | yes | no | yes | ||
| 16 | Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg, KS | 96.15 | $4,936 | 11 | 54% | 18:1 | 49% | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 17 | MidAmerica Nazarene University | Olathe, KS | 95.95 | $24,250 | 4 | 89% | 7:1 | 55% | yes | no | yes | ||
| 18 | Ottawa University-Online | Ottawa, KS | 90.42 | $11,520 | 22 | N/A | 2:1 | N/A | yes | no | yes |
2-Year Best College Rankings
| Rank | University | Location | Score | Annual Tuition | # of Online Programs | Financial Aid % | Student-Teacher Ratio | Grad Rate | Credit for Experience | Placement Services | Counseling Services | University Information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allen County Community College | Iola, KS | 100.00 | $1,824 | 76 | 72% | 16:1 | N/A | no | no | yes | ||
| 2 | Hutchinson Community College | Hutchinson, KS | 97.96 | $2,432 | 25 | 65% | 15:1 | N/A | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 3 | Barton County Community College | Great Bend, KS | 97.56 | $1,984 | 33 | 55% | 23:1 | N/A | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 4 | Kansas City Kansas Community College | Kansas City, KS | 96.87 | $2,190 | 29 | 21% | 13:1 | N/A | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 5 | Seward County Community College and Area Technical School | Liberal, KS | 96.82 | $1,632 | 10 | 68% | 14:1 | N/A | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 6 | Cowley County Community College | Arkansas City, KS | 96.40 | $1,922 | 15 | 65% | 23:1 | N/A | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 7 | Highland Community College | Highland, KS | 96.13 | $2,112 | 12 | 62% | 20:1 | N/A | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 8 | Pratt Community College | Pratt, KS | 96.10 | $1,792 | 6 | 73% | 24:1 | N/A | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 9 | Neosho County Community College | Chanute, KS | 94.86 | $1,920 | 4 | 69% | 12:1 | N/A | yes | no | yes | ||
| 10 | Coffeyville Community College | Coffeyville, KS | 94.02 | $960 | 4 | 84% | 25:1 | N/A | no | no | yes | ||
| 11 | Butler Community College | El Dorado, KS | 93.53 | $2,850 | 21 | 41% | 18:1 | N/A | no | no | yes | ||
| 12 | Johnson County Community College | Overland Park, KS | 92.97 | $2,610 | 5 | 18% | 20:1 | N/A | yes | yes | yes | ||
| 13 | Colby Community College | Colby, KS | 92.89 | $1,950 | 5 | 71% | 13:1 | N/A | no | no | yes | ||
| 14 | Flint Hills Technical College | Emporia, KS | 89.27 | $3,616 | 4 | 10% | 14:1 | N/A | no | yes | yes |
Kansas Online College Growth
Kansas in home to several post-secondary institutions that offer not just online courses, but degree programs as well. The University of Kansas is home to over 20 graduate online programs, including a master’s degree in project management and special education – autism, as well about 10 undergraduate programs, such as psychology and RN to BSN. But large public universities aren’t the only schools with diverse online offerings. At Baker University, a private school with only a few thousand graduate and undergraduate students, there are more than a dozen online programs, such as criminal justice and sports management.
Kansas College Tuition & Financial Aid
There is no general rule Kansas online students can expect with respect to tuition rates. At some schools, all students pay the same online tuition rate, irrespective of their state or residency. At other schools, online students will pay their respective in-state, out-of-state or special discounted tuition rate (under certain reciprocity agreements) whether they’re taking an online course or a traditional on-campus course.
To qualify as a Kansas resident for in-state purposes, you must, for one year prior to enrollment:
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Be a dependent on parents who reside in Kansas,
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Demonstrate an intent to live in Kansas and become a Kansas resident (such as filing Kansas taxes, getting a Kansas driver’s license, etc.), or
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Otherwise demonstrate that you moved to Kansas for a reason other than establishing residency for tuition purposes and take no more than three credit hours per semester.
Students attending school in Kansas can get a rough idea of what they will pay by examining the following average Kansas college tuition rates.
In-state tuition (public, four-year institution): $8,011
Out-of-state tuition (public, four-year institution): $20,901
In-state tuition (public, two-year institution): $3,201
Out-of-state tuition (public, two-year institution): $4,395
Private tuition: $17,827
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Are online college students in Kansas expected to pay in-state or out-of-state tuition?
Online college students will generally pay one of two tuition rates. They may pay a special online tuition rate that all students pay, whether they’re a Kansas resident or not. On the other hand, taking courses online makes no difference with respect to the students’ tuition rate, so they pay their respective tuition rates (in-state, out-of-state or special discounted rate).
Students who choose to attend college in Kansas may be eligible for reduced tuition though the Midwest Student Exchange Program. Under this program, non-resident students attending school in Kansas can avoid the out-of-state tuition rate if they are residents of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio or Wisconsin and choose a major at a Kansas school that is not offered in their home state. These majors are generally in the architecture, agriculture or engineering fields.
Kansas also has a reciprocity agreement with Missouri and North Dakota with respect to specific programs. For instance, students from North Dakota choosing to study veterinary medicine will receive a discounted tuition rate at Kansas State University.
Quick summary on tuition:
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1. Kansas students enrolled in an online course or program can expect to pay either their respective in-state, out-of-state or special discounted tuition rate as if they were enrolled as an on-campus student, or a special online tuition rate that all students pay, whether they have Kansas residency or not.
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2. Kansas participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program. Therefore, out-of-state residents from member states may be eligible for reduced tuition rates, but only if they enroll in a program at the Kansas school that’s not available at a school in their home state.
How can Kansas students apply for financial aid?
Getting financial aid in Kansas has a similar process to most states in that it requires the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is needed to obtain financial aid from the federal government, as well as Kansas state-based financial aid. But another application, called the State of Kansas Student Aid Application, is also required for state-based financial aid. Kansas state aid comes in the form of grants and scholarships that don’t have to be repaid. This application can be completed online or mailed in.
To keep receiving financial aid for college, students must meet certain Satisfactory Academic Standards, or SAP. The federal government has their own SAP guidelines, which apply to students receiving federal financial aid. Most Kansas institutions have their own SAP guidelines, although they largely mirror the federal standards. Below is a description of the most common SAP standards that most Kansas schools follow:
- GPA
Undergraduate students must keep a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.00. Graduate students usually have higher requirements, between 2.00 and 3.00.
- Pace
At least 67% of attempted classes must be completed with a passing grade.
- Maximum time frame
Students must achieve their intended degree within 150% of the average amount of time it takes to get that degree. If a student needs 60 credits to get their associate degree, for example, the degree must be granted before the student registers for 91 credit hours.
Kansas College Grants & Scholarships
If you’re looking for state-based financial aid, you’re in luck. Kansas has several gift-based aid awards available. This is the best financial aid, because it doesn’t need to be paid back. Many of the scholarships and grants available are based on merit and/or financial need, but numerous opportunities exist for those coming from particular backgrounds.
What college scholarships and grants can Kansas students apply for?
State-based grants and scholarships for Kansas students are administered by the Kansas Board of Regents. They offer several scholarships and grants, including:
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Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship : Students of an ethnic minority who also demonstrate financial need and academic success are eligible for this scholarship.
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Kansas Comprehensive Grant: This scholarship is for financially needy Kansas residents who enroll as a full-time student at one of the approved public or private post-secondary Kansas institutions. Awards range from $200 to $3,500. Students can apply for this grant by completing the FAFSA.
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Kansas State Scholarship : Students who finish in the top 20%-30% of their Kansas high school class and also demonstrate financial need are eligible for this scholarship. There is a special online application form to apply.
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Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant : This grant is designed for those studying in a technical education program in which they receive a technical certificate or associate degree in a high-demand or critical industry.
How can students apply for Kansas college scholarships and grants?
Applying for Kansas state-funded grants and scholarships requires an application. Many of these have special applications that can be completed online or mailed in. A few utilize the FAFSA as the application form.
But Kansas isn’t the only source of grants and scholarships. Students can also apply to special scholarships that are exclusive to their chosen school. At the University of Kansas, students have numerous scholarships and grants available for just the freshmen. Most of these don’t require an additional application form beyond the application for admissions.
Don’t forget the privately funded and administered grants and scholarships offered by companies and charities, all of which have their own unique requirements. Many of these will require completion of the FAFSA plus other elements, such as an essay, transcript and letters of recommendation.
Finding the Right Online College in Kansas
Looking for the right Kansas online colleges but have no clue where to begin? That’s okay – making the shift to the college experience requires lots of questions about what to expect. Here are some of the common questions students ask when looking for their best online program.
Do colleges in Kansas accept transfer credits and work/life experience?
Students who attend an online college in Kansas may be able to obtain transfer credits for prior work experience related to military service. For example, at the University of Kansas, students will receive four credit hours in health, sport and exercise sciences for completion of basic training.
Beyond military experience, some schools will offer transfer credits for other things. At Manhattan Tech, students with certain practical experience may obtain college credit, but the transfer profess is decided on a case-by-case basis. At Wichita State University, students have several options for turning work experiences into college credit. Not only can students receive college credit for prior professional licensing and training, but future experience as well, in the form of co-ops and internships.
Do I need to pick an online college in Kansas if that’s where I live?
No, but by choosing an online college in Kansas, you may be eligible for lower, in-state tuition rates. Also, as a Kansas resident, you might be able to pay reduced out-of-state tuition rates if you attend a non-Kansas school pursuant to the Midwest Student Exchange Program.
How do I pick an online college in Kansas?
Students should pick a school that most effectively and affordably provides them the academic training and professional advancement possibilities they need. However, whatever choice the student makes, they need to make sure that any school they attend is accredited.
Accreditation is the process by which schools receive a review from an independent organization, which ensures that the academic programs meet minimum standards of quality. Accreditation is important to ensure that a student’s degree actually means something and is acceptable to other schools and employers. To ensure you are avoiding a diploma mill, always look for proof of accreditation before applying to any college in Kansas or elsewhere.