Kansas ranks among the top 20 states for affordable college tuition.
Online Colleges in Kansas 2021
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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.
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Top 10 Online Colleges in Kansas
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Hays State University | Hays, KS |
| 2 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS |
| 3 | Wichita State University | Wichita, KS |
| 4 | Barclay College | Haviland, KS |
| 5 | Baker University | Baldwin City, KS |
Factors to Consider for Online Kanas Schools
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Q. Do online credits cost more or less in Kansas?
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Q. 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.
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Q. 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.
Best Online Colleges in Kansas 2021
See Our Rankings Methodology
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Fort Hays State UniversityLocation
Hays, KS
Tuition$$$$$
Graduation Rate44%
Even though Fort Hays State University's campus resides in Hays, Kansas, students can meet their education goals from anywhere. The school offers 60 online bachelor's degrees in various fields, including history, business education, and human health and performance. FHSU also provides resources for online transfer, military, and international students.
The school accepts students with a minimum 2.25 GPA. Alternatively, FHSU accepts students with an ACT composite of 21 or higher or a minimum combined SAT ERW+M score of 1080.
One of several online colleges in Kansas, FHSU opened in 1902 as the Western Branch of Kansas State Normal School. According to the school's website, 95% of graduates get jobs or higher education opportunities. As of June 2021, FHSU charges $226.88 per credit hour for online tuition. Fort Hays State University maintains accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.
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Kansas State UniversityLocation
Manhattan, KS
Tuition$$$$$
Graduation Rate64%
A public school in Manhattan, Kansas, Kansas State University offers 12 online bachelor's degrees. Like many online colleges in Kansas, K-State tailors their online programs to fit busy schedules, so students can balance their education with other responsibilities. As of June 2021, more than 22,000 attend the university. K-State aims to become a top 50 public research university by 2025, making the school a good option for students interested in research.
Admissions requirements include a minimum 3.25 high school GPA . However, the school also accepts students with an ACT composite score of 21 or an SAT ERW+M score of 1060 or higher.
K-State offers multiple scholarships for incoming first-year students. Applicants can pursue test-optional scholarships, and Missouri residents benefit from in-state tuition. According to the school's website, 95% of bachelor's degree graduates find a job. K-State maintains accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.
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Wichita State UniversityLocation
Wichita, KS
Tuition$$$$$
Graduation Rate47%
Located in southern Kansas, Wichita State University features multiple online bachelor's degrees. The school offers niche majors, like homeland security, and more common majors, like accounting. Although online learners do not need to attend class on campus, they can still visit the 330-acre campus in Kansas's largest city. As of June 2021, tuition costs $3,421.35 per semester for Kansas residents.
WSU's application features similar GPA requirements as other Kansas online schools. First-year applicants must possess a minimum 2.25 high school GPA. Alternatively, applicants can submit ACT composite scores, which must be a 21 or higher. The school also accepts SAT ERW+M scores of at least 1060.
As of June 2021, 48% of WSU students graduate within six years. WSU maintains accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.
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Barclay CollegeLocation
Haviland, KS
Tuition$$$$$
Graduation Rate43%
Established in Haviland, Kansas in 1917, Barclay College offers online degrees at the bachelor's, associate, and certificate levels. The Christian school grants degrees in topics like biblical studies, Christian leadership, business management, and psychology. This Kansas online college also offers graduate degrees if students wish to continue their education.
Virtual learners studying at Barclay can still meet peers in person by joining a campus group. Full-time online students may qualify for $1,200 in institution scholarship funding per year. Classes feature an 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. New class sessions open every six weeks and offer flexible schedules, so students can complete assignments at any time. Like many online colleges in Kansas, Barclay offers resources for students. Examples include a writing center and chapel services.
Barclay earns accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.
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Baker UniversityLocation
Baldwin City, KS
Tuition$$$$$
Graduation Rate59%
Located in the small town of Baldwin City, Kansas, Baker University provides several online learning opportunities. Learners choose from six undergraduate degrees, four of which include business-related topics. Examples include a bachelor of business administration degree with a major in business leadership, management, or marketing.
Online instructors at Baker receive special training to facilitate optimal virtual learning. Courses follow an asynchronous format, which means students can complete weekly modules at their convenience. Online students get access to a help desk and receive assistance from academic advisors.
As of June 2021, 99% of graduates find a job or receive acceptance to a graduate program. According to the school's website, Baker graduates earn the highest average salaries among graduates of Kansas universities. Baker University earns accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship
Who Can Apply: 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.
Amount: Varies
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Kansas Military Service Scholarship
Who Can Apply: 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.
Amount: Varies
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Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship
Who Can Apply: 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.
Amount: Varies
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Kansas Seed Industry Association Scholarship
Who Can Apply: 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.
Amount: $1,000
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The Rudd Scholarship Program
Who Can Apply: 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.
Amount: Varies
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