Kansas Online Colleges & Universities: Top Schools for 2018

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:

• Be a dependent on parents who reside in Kansas,

• 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

• 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.

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.

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.

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:

• Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship : Students of an ethnic minority who also demonstrate financial need and academic success are eligible for this scholarship.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.