Colleges in Kansas

Why go to College in Kansas?

Kansas blends the small-town feel of America's heartland with the innovative culture of urban centers like Wichita, Manhattan, and Kansas City. Its higher education options range from major research centers like Kansas State University to community-oriented colleges such as Mid-America Nazarene University. The Kansas City Royals and the Wichita Thunder offer high-value sporting events while Massachusetts Street in Lawrence and the hotspots of Aggieville in Manhattan give students plenty to do during their free time.

Population

Kansas' population of 2.9 million people is spread out over thousands of square miles of wheat, soybean, and corn fields. With around 390,000 people, Wichita is the largest city in Kansas and is home to many of the state's colleges and universities.

Climate

Kansans know that blazing hot summers give way to frigid winters. The average annual temperature is 53.4°F. In the spring and early summer, Kansas is known for its severe weather.

Number of Higher Learning Institutions

Of Kansas' 99 institutions of higher education, 32 are public schools. These include the University of Kansas and Kansas State University. Private schools include Bethel College in North Newton and Baker University in Baldwin City.

Sporting Events

Kansas hosts a number of professional sports teams, including the Wichita Wingnuts, an independent baseball team that plays in the Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the U.S. In addition, the NCAA voted the University of Kansas' arena "the most intimidating" in basketball.

Nightlife

Featuring plenty of hip urban centers near its state university campuses, Kansas offers a vibrant nightlife scene. In Manhattan and Lawrence, for instance, college students can hang out in various pubs on game day or find an assortment of nightclubs on the weekends.

What Options are Available for Colleges in Kansas?

Popular Degree Programs in Kansas

Kansas relies on agriculture, energy, and natural resource production for its economic backbone. The state's higher education institutions, including online colleges in Kansas, reflect its commitment to operating effective businesses in these areas. According to Business Insider, the most popular major in Kansas is business management and administration, and a disproportionately large percentage of students choose architectural engineering.

• Business Management and Administration

  This major is ideal for students seeking careers in finance, accounting, human resources, supply chain management, or marketing. From initial product development through the final phases of delivery and customer service, Kansas' diverse economy gives students opportunities to gain practical experience with business management and administration in areas like agriculture, energy, and natural resources.

• Architectural Engineering

  Learning everything from planning to construction, architectural engineering students are taught the full work cycle of engineered systems at large industrial and residential facilities. These systems include electric power, communications, acoustics, lighting, HVAC, fire safety, and sustainability. With this major, future engineers can take advantage of the swelling number of architectural engineering firms in Kansas City.

Best Online Colleges in Kansas for 2019

The following ranking of the best online colleges in Kansas offers a glimpse of the state's top higher education institutions. Since programs differ in length, emphasis, cost, and reputation, you need to research online schools in Kansas to determine the ones that best suit your needs and interests. Applicants will want to consider a broad range of characteristics such as the school's reputation, its academic programs, and its overall cost when selecting their top choices.

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1	Baker University Baldwin City, KS		ADMISSIONS RATE 82% GRADUATION RATE 60% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 19% RETENTION RATE 77% DEFAULT RATE 6% BU is a private university with alumni who have become successful Fortune 500 CEOs, politicians, and best-selling authors. This online college in Kansas offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students can earn a bachelor's degree in business administration with several concentration options, including business leadership, management, or strategic business communication. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice and an associate degree in business are also available. Distance learners at the graduate level can enroll in programs like education, business administration, and healthcare management. All online classes and course materials are fully web-based and can be taken asynchronously, though upon acceptance to a program, students begin taking classes as a cohort. Programs run throughout the year and applications are accepted year-round.	Visit Site
2	University of Saint Mary Leavenworth, KS		ADMISSIONS RATE 49% GRADUATION RATE 41% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 26% RETENTION RATE 75% DEFAULT RATE 8% Distance learners at USM can enroll in four fully online degree programs: an RN to BSN, an MS in nursing, a BS in health information management, or an MBA. Fully web-based programs are available asynchronously without any residency requirements, and applicants are accepted from across the country. This online school in Kansas also offers a number of hybrid programs that are administered in a synchronous format. Online programs have several start dates throughout the year, and applications are accepted at any time. All online degrees earned through USM are the same as those earned by traditional students.	Visit Site
3	MidAmerica Nazarene University Olathe, KS		ADMISSIONS RATE 61% GRADUATION RATE 55% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 14% RETENTION RATE 74% DEFAULT RATE 7% MANU was established in 1966 as an evangelical Christian university. All students at this online college in Kansas must take several foundational courses that emphasize faith and biblical values. MANU offers a number of fully online degree programs from the associate through the graduate level. Available programs include an accelerated associate degree in business and a bachelor's degree in business administration. Distance learners with an associate degree can enroll in one of the school's bachelor's degree completion programs. MANU also offers a number of certification programs in teaching, nursing, and counseling. At this time, MANU does not accept distance learners from all states. Online students pay the same rate as in-state residents.	Visit Site
4	Friends University Wichita, KS		ADMISSIONS RATE 58% GRADUATION RATE 41% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 21% RETENTION RATE 74% DEFAULT RATE 10% Friends University is a Christian university with a Quaker heritage. The university's values include respect, inclusion, service, and excellence (RISE), and it teaches students to apply these values to their studies and everyday lives. Distance learners at Friends can earn degrees at the bachelor's and master's levels. Undergraduate options include programs in business management, human resource management, and computer information systems management. Master's degrees are also available in business administration, global business administration, cybersecurity, education, and healthcare leadership. All programs listed are fully online with no on-campus requirements. This online college in Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Friends University's online programs are not available to students from all U.S. states at this time.	Visit Site
5	Fort Hays State University Hays, KS		ADMISSIONS RATE 86% GRADUATION RATE 43% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 66% RETENTION RATE 70% DEFAULT RATE 7% Online classes at FHSU are taught by the same instructors and follow the same curricula as on-campus classes. This online school in Kansas offers more than 50 fully online degree programs and certificate options to distance learners. Degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Undergraduates can earn degrees in organizational leadership, information networking and telecommunications, sociology, nursing, and more. Aside from its undergraduate offerings, graduate programs are available in a variety of disciplines, including history, business administration, and special education. Academic sessions begin in fall, spring, and summer, though prospective students are welcome to apply at any time. Online students are accepted from across the country and internationally.	Visit Site
6	Emporia State University Emporia, KS	ADMISSIONS RATE 87% GRADUATION RATE 42% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 30% RETENTION RATE 72% DEFAULT RATE 8% ESU offers several online degree programs that can be taken without setting foot on campus. Like many other online schools in Kansas, ESU offers programs that can be taken through a combination of on-campus and web-based classes. Undergraduate students can earn bachelor's degrees in interdisciplinary studies, accounting, elementary education, or business administration. Master's degrees are also available in clinical counseling, business education, and forensic science. Sessions begin in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Full-time students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits per term. Out-of-state distance learners pay a higher tuition than in-state residents.	Visit Site
7	University of Kansas Lawrence, KS	ADMISSIONS RATE 93% GRADUATION RATE 61% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4% RETENTION RATE 80% DEFAULT RATE 5% UK offers a number of fully online and hybrid degree programs along with several certificate options. Students can earn bachelor's degrees in disciplines such as communication studies, psychology, and liberal arts. Health-related degrees are also available in health information management, respiratory care, and nursing. Online courses at UK follow the semester system with terms beginning in the summer and fall. Distance learners enrolled in online classes can take tests at one of many approved testing centers throughout Kansas. Out-of-state students can complete all assignments and testing through the school's online learning platform. Because all bachelor's degrees at UK are completion programs, undergraduate students at this online school in Kansas must apply as transfer students. A minimum of 60 credit hours must be transferred from another accredited institution.	Visit Site
8	Southwestern College Winfield, KS	ADMISSIONS RATE 91% GRADUATION RATE 44% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 57% RETENTION RATE 65% DEFAULT RATE 8% SC seeks to provide high-quality education to working adults, military service members, and individuals seeking to improve their career opportunities. One of the many online schools in Kansas, SC offers several undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields such as accounting, pastoral studies, education, and security management. Distance learners can also earn certification in cybercrime investigation, homeland security, and emergency planning. The fully web-based courses at SC are taught in accelerated, six-week terms and are delivered asynchronously. Students at SC are able to access all course materials through the school's online learning platform. Out-of-state distance learners are responsible for the same tuition as in-state students.	Visit Site
9	Newman University Wichita, KS	ADMISSIONS RATE 56% GRADUATION RATE 50% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 5% RETENTION RATE 71% DEFAULT RATE 7% NU is a Catholic university that applies biblical teachings to coursework in all degree programs. Undergraduate distance learners can complete their degree in business studies, but must have already earned a minimum of 60 credit hours of relevant coursework from another accredited institution. Students in this program take courses in marketing, managerial finance, and business ethics. Aside from its one online undergraduate program, NU offers graduate degrees in theology, business administration, and education. All the school's online degree programs are web-based, but some classes require on-campus visits. Because of these requirements, only residents of Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma are able to enroll in distance learning programs since each of these states has approved NU centers.	Visit Site
10	Tabor College Hillsboro, KS	ADMISSIONS RATE 55% GRADUATION RATE 41% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 14% RETENTION RATE 59% DEFAULT RATE 7% Tabor offers a number of online degree options at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Aside from its programs in Christian ministry, criminology, and nursing, Tabor offers bachelor's degrees in several business disciplines including entrepreneurship, accounting, and human resources. At the associate level, students can earn degrees in urban ministry, Christian studies, and business administration. Online courses at Tabor are delivered asynchronously and without any on-campus requirements. This online school in Kansas also allows students to view lectures in real-time through virtual streaming. Distance learners are expected to devote a minimum of 10 hours per week to their studies. Tabor allows students to transfer up to 84 credits from another accredited institution. Distance learners pay the same tuition rate as in-state students.	Visit Site
11	Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KS	ADMISSIONS RATE 81% GRADUATION RATE 48% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 9% RETENTION RATE 74% DEFAULT RATE 10% PSU allows students to enroll in several fully online, asynchronous programs. Distance learners are welcome to apply from throughout the U.S. and internationally. Online students can choose from more than 45 fully web-based programs, including bachelor's degrees in workforce development and nursing. Master's degrees are also available in subjects such as engineering technology, health and human performance, reading, and special education. Academic sessions begin in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Transfer students must have earned at least 24 credits from another accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Online students pay the same tuition rate as Kansas residents.	Visit Site
12	Barclay College Haviland, KS	ADMISSIONS RATE 75% GRADUATION RATE 45% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 36% RETENTION RATE 54% DEFAULT RATE 12% Barclay was founded by Quaker settlers in 1917. Online classes at the school accommodate undergraduate students with a variety of needs and interests. Since classes run in six-week sessions, students are encouraged to apply throughout the year. Bachelor's degrees are offered in subjects such as biblical studies, business management, and psychology. Each week, distance learners must submit reading responses on student discussion boards. Aside from bachelor's degrees, students can earn certificates in biblical studies, psychology, or ministry training. An associate degree in general studies is another option for students who want to transfer into a bachelor's degree program. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Barclay is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission.	Visit Site
13	Central Christian College of Kansas McPherson, KS	GRADUATION RATE 40%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 59%	RETENTION RATE 56%	DEFAULT RATE 9%	CCCK allows you to earn a Christian education from anywhere in the world through their fully online, asynchronous learning platform. For Kansas residents who can take courses in the evening, a number of classes are offered in a hybrid format. Students seeking bachelor's degrees can take advantage of the school's programs in healthcare administration, criminal justice, and ministry leadership. Distance learners at this online school in Kansas can also earn associate degrees in the arts or criminal justice. Online students pay the same tuition rate as in-state students. Transfer students who have earned degrees from accredited institutions are welcome to apply. To facilitate the transfer process, CCCK has articulation agreements with several schools throughout Kansas.	Visit Site
14	Wichita State University Wichita, KS	ADMISSIONS RATE 95% GRADUATION RATE 43% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 5% RETENTION RATE 72% DEFAULT RATE 7% Wichita State is one of the top online colleges in Kansas and offers several undergraduate and graduate degree programs to distance learners. Students seeking bachelor's degrees can take advantage of programs in criminal justice, dental hygiene, early childhood education, and nursing. The school also offers master's degrees in aging studies, business administration, and instructional design. Online degree programs can be completed part-time or in an accelerated format. Transfer students from other regionally accredited, four-year institutions are welcome to apply. Web-based classes are available asynchronously through the school's online learning platform. Academic counselors are assigned to students to ensure they complete their degrees on time. Distance learners pay the same tuition rate as in-state students.	Visit Site
15	Sterling College Sterling, KS	ADMISSIONS RATE 41% GRADUATION RATE 42% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 6% RETENTION RATE 62% DEFAULT RATE 13% In addition to being one of the best online schools in Kansas, Sterling is a Christian school that seeks to transform students through innovative academic opportunities. The college offers fully web-based bachelor's degree programs in areas such as criminal justice administration, organizational management, and Christian ministries. The secondary education licensure degree program is designed for students who have already earned a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Courses offered through Sterling's College of Education require students to attend on-campus sessions up to three Saturdays per term. Distance learners pay the same tuition as in-state students. At this time, students from all states but California, Maryland, and Massachusetts are welcome to enroll in Sterling's online programs.	Visit Site

Best Online Community Colleges in Kansas for 2019

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1	Flint Hills Technical College Emporia, KS		GRADUATION RATE 57%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 11%	RETENTION RATE 70%	DEFAULT RATE 15%	One of Kansas' 19 community colleges, Flint Hills Technical College was originally founded in the 1960s. FHTC has stayed small over the years -- enrolling fewer than 1,000 students as recently as 2015 -- and is one of the smaller online community colleges in Kansas. That said, the college has also evolved and now offers four fully online programs in healthcare administration, power plant technology, business administration, and interactive multimedia design. None of these programs require students to visit the Emporia campus. Students willing to complete some on-campus coursework can enroll in FHTC's hybrid programs in industrial engineering technology, emergency services technology, and interactive multimedia design. All online program coursework is delivered asynchronously. Since many of these programs are technical in nature, students may transfer in some credit for their previous technical education coursework. This transfer path is more common than students transferring out of FHTC, although some students do continue on to four-year schools.	Visit Site
2	Colby Community College Colby, KS		GRADUATION RATE 27%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 16%	RETENTION RATE 58%	DEFAULT RATE 7%	Colby Community College operates a campus in the town of Colby and at one large agricultural center on the city's outskirts. The college is one of the strongest online community colleges in Kansas, offering online associate degrees, technical certificates, and certificates of completion through asynchronous coursework. Online students at Colby can earn degrees in veterinary technology, sustainable/renewable energy, and equine science. As Colby runs on open enrollment, prospective students need only fill out an online application, speak with their dedicated academic adviser, and log in to Trojanweb, the college's online platform. While Colby does not allow out-of-state students to pay in-state tuition, out-of-state fees are only slightly higher than for Kansas and Thomas County residents.	Visit Site
3	Cowley County Community College Arkansas City, KS		GRADUATION RATE 29%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 34%	RETENTION RATE 57%	DEFAULT RATE 16%	In addition to operating physical campuses in Arkansas City, Mulvane, Winfield, and Wichita, Cowley County Community College maintains one of the most extensive slates of online programs of all the online community colleges in Kansas. CCCC currently offers nearly 40 online associate degree and certificate programs, including studies in fields such as creative writing, computer science, equine management, hotel and restaurant management, and liberal arts. Most students who enroll in online courses at Cowley are working professionals with professional or familial obligations, so the college delivers online coursework asynchronously to give its students more flexibility. Though out-of-state online students are not able to pay in-state or in-county tuition, Oklahoma residents receive a discount, and tuition costs for everyone else are still relatively low.	Visit Site
4	Allen County Community College Iola, KS		GRADUATION RATE 42%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 24%	RETENTION RATE 54%	DEFAULT RATE 20%	Allen Community College primarily serves rural areas in and around the cities of Iola and Burlingame. The college also maintains an extensive online learning presence, offering both transfer-focused (English, business, history) and career-focused (agriculture, pharmacy technician, early childhood education) associate degrees in addition to professional certificates and allied health programs. As many of Allen's online students are working professionals or individuals living in remote areas, the college delivers online coursework asynchronously for maximum flexibility. Allen CC has more significant admission requirements than other online community colleges in Kansas. For example, all prospective students must fill out an online application, submit proof of a GED or high school diploma, and submit their ACT scores. Students who have not taken the ACT must complete placement tests.	Visit Site
5	Barton County Community College Great Bend, KS		GRADUATION RATE 29%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 35%	RETENTION RATE 53%	DEFAULT RATE 18%	Primarily serving students in rural Barton County -- in addition to Pawnee, Rush, Ellsworth, Stafford, Rice, and Russell Counties -- Barton County Community College operates its central campus out of the city of Great Bend. The college also offers an extensive selection of distance learning programs. In addition to several pre-professional offerings like dentistry and law, online students at Barton can earn degrees in business/economics, communications, information technology, education, health, humanities, public safety, and liberal arts. As many of Barton's online students already work full time, the college delivers online coursework asynchronously to allow for flexibility. In addition, many of the school's online programs do not include on-campus requirements. Barton also created many of its online programs with the idea that graduates would transfer to a four-year university.	Visit Site
6	Butler Community College El Dorado, KS	GRADUATION RATE 22%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 19%	RETENTION RATE 58%	DEFAULT RATE 14%	Based out of the city of El Dorado, Butler Community College is the second-largest online community college in Kansas, offering nearly 20 associate degree and certificate programs online. Degrees include studies in economics, English and literature, history, psychology, social work, liberal arts, and marketing. The college also offers certificates for accounting assistants and early childhood education workers. Like other online Kansas colleges, Butler strives for flexibility in its online coursework. It delivers assignments asynchronously and allows online students to complete their degrees without ever having to visit the El Dorado campus. The college also aims to create transfer-friendly programs since it maintains an agreement with Ottawa University that allows accepted Butler students to pay discounted tuition. Students who choose this option can transfer up to 80 credits to Ottawa.	Visit Site
7	Highland Community College Highland, KS	GRADUATION RATE 28%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 27%	RETENTION RATE 37%	DEFAULT RATE 16%	On a national level, Highland Community College is perhaps best known for its Highland Scotties football teams, which has produced two NFL players. But students need not play for the Scotties to earn a degree from Highland, as the college offers nine associate degrees online. Six of the college's nine programs are more career-focused and award associate of applied science degrees in fields such as criminal justice, medical coding, and personal fitness. The other three programs are general studies options for students who ultimately want to transfer to a four-year university. Similarly to other online community colleges in Kansas, Highland delivers all online coursework asynchronously.	Visit Site
8	Neosho County Community College Chanute, KS	GRADUATION RATE 23%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 11%	RETENTION RATE 52%	DEFAULT RATE 12%	Neosho County Community College differs from most other online community colleges in that it offers on-campus housing on its Chanute campus and makes a strong effort to cater to full-time traditional students. Still, NCCC operates a satellite campus in Ottawa in addition to an extensive array of online programs, making sure to cater to distance learners as well. NCCC offers associate degrees that are both professionally focused (non-transfer) and transfer-focused. Non-transfer degrees include programs that train students to become administrative assistants and registered nurses. Transfer degrees center on the liberal arts and sciences. Online students can also earn business, computer science, and medical/health-related certificates at NCCC. The college delivers all online program coursework asynchronously.	Visit Site
9	Wichita Area Technical College Wichita, KS	GRADUATION RATE 31%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 12%	RETENTION RATE 56%	DEFAULT RATE 21%	Unlike most other online community colleges in Kansas, Wichita Area Technical College benefits from operating out of the largest city in the state. Now known locally as WSU Tech, the college will become affiliated with Wichita State University in July 2018 as the university's applied sciences and technology branch. WSU Tech currently offers all of its online programs through Shocker Pathway, which requires students seeking an associate degree to earn 50 credits through WSU Tech and 15 through Wichita State. Many of these programs are in technical, career-focused fields such as aviation, healthcare, business, manufacturing, and design. As such, most students who enroll in online courses at WSU Tech ultimately earn an associate in applied science. However, WSU Tech also offers several general studies degrees for online students who want to transfer to a four-year school.	Visit Site
10	Garden City Community College Garden City, KS	GRADUATION RATE 31%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 5%	RETENTION RATE 52%	DEFAULT RATE 10%	Garden City Community College is one of the oldest community colleges in Kansas, originally founded in 1919 to serve the needs of the local community. GCCC has recently expanded into distance learning and now offers three entirely online associate programs, none of which require students to visit campus for any reason. Since all three programs are general studies offerings, most students who earn online degrees at GCCC transfer to four-year universities to continue their education. The college aims to make online learning as accessible as possible, delivering all online coursework asynchronously through Canvas. Though the college does not allow out-of-state online students to pay in-state tuition, distance learners who live in a state that borders Kansas receive a discount, and out-of-state tuition is still relatively cheap.	Visit Site

Education Trends in Kansas

Kansas spends slightly less money per full-time college student than the national average. Yet, the state allocates a substantially larger percentage of its tax revenue to higher education than the average U.S. state. This expenditure reveals Kansas' commitment to higher education. In addition, a larger percentage of people in Kansas possess a bachelor's degree than the national average, while the numbers of associate degree holders and graduate degree holders fall only marginally beneath the national mean.

Paying for College in Kansas

Nearly all higher education opportunities come with a price tag attached. While scholarships, grants, and personal funds can help cover a student's expenses, paying for a two- to four-year education remains a challenge. Fortunately, the cost of a public institution in Kansas falls below the national average for in-state tuition. Some students choose one of the online schools in Kansas to have the flexibility to earn income while attending school.

Tuition Prices

Public colleges and universities often provide discounted tuition rates for in-state residents. Two-year institutions sometimes offer even deeper price cuts for in-state learners. In Kansas, the tuition is below the national average. When budgeting for college, however, prospective students should not forget the costs of books, transportation, room, board, and related personal expenses.

Financial Aid

Students in the U.S. can take advantage of public and private aid to help alleviate the financial burden of higher education. All students, no matter whether they plan to enroll in online colleges in Kansas or traditional programs, should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is required in order to be eligible for federal grants, loans, and work-study funds.

Grants and scholarships are free and help cover the costs of higher education. Students who receive loans, however, must pay them back in full with interest. For some loans, the federal government will cover part of the interest. To limit post-graduation debt, students should accept scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities before loans, particularly if the loans are from private lending institutions that charge higher interest rates.

Cost for Online Programs in Kansas

Applicants to online colleges in Kansas are eligible for financial aid from the state and federal government, universities, and private organizations. Like traditional students, online learners begin the aid process by completing the FAFSA. Attending one of the many online schools in Kansas can help students lower their education costs. While most online programs carry tuition costs equal to those of their on-campus counterparts, other fees may not apply. For example, digital learners can save on on transportation costs, books, child care, and room and board.

Cost of Living by Region

Effective budgeting for higher education requires you to consider more than just tuition. You must also take into account the cost of living, which is determined by a school's location. By choosing a city with a low cost of living, students can reduce the overall expense of their education and limit their student loan debt. Graduates with a low debt-to-income ratios have more choices about what jobs they can accept, where they can live, and what kind of lifestyle they can maintain.

Scholarships for Kansas College Students

Nolan Moore Memorial Education Foundation Scholarship

$500-$2,500; must be a resident of Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, or Missouri and enroll in a printing management or technology program
View Scholarship

Gloria Scammahorn Memorial Endowed Scholarship

TBD; recipients must be members of the Kansas Occupational Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association and studying to be an occupational therapist or an occupational therapist assistant. View Scholarship

Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship

$2,500-$3,500 each school year; must study toward an LPN or RN and commit to working for a sponsoring partner in Kansas. View Scholarship

The Kansas Comprehensive Grant

$100-$3,500; provided by the State of Kansas to needy families who are Kansas residents, who complete the FAFSA, and who attend an eligible college. View Scholarship

Horatio Alger State Scholarship

$10,000; must be a high school senior who demonstrates critical financial need and who has overcome great obstacles. View Scholarship

The Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship

$1,850; must be African American, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, or Hispanic and meet established academic criteria. View Scholarship

What's In Outdoors Scholarship

$1,000; must choose a wildlife or nature major at a Kansas college or university and show an interest in Kansas-based work. View Scholarship

Kansas State Scholarship

$1,000; must be a Designated State Scholar who demonstrates financial need through the FAFSA. View Scholarship

Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

$4,000-$50,000 over four years; must be a current high school senior, fill out an application, and interview with a panel of judges. View Scholarship

Can all Scholarships be Used for Online Programs?

Most scholarships apply to both traditional and online colleges in Kansas. Scholarship recipients should examine their award letter to understand any restrictions that come with the funds, or inquire with the scholarship organization. Some scholarships may not apply to an applicant's chosen school. Others may have extra programmatic or residency requirements. The only way to be certain an award will cover a particular program is to check with the scholarship-granting organization.

Employment Outlook in Kansas

Kansas residents enjoy a higher rate of employment than the national average, although wages in Kansas dip just below the mean. The state historically relied on agriculture as its economic engine, and experts believe farming jobs will continue to expand at a rapid pace. Kansas' economy, however, continues to diversify. The booming health care and education industries are leading Kansas' job growth trends just as they are in many states across the country. As a state with a growing population, Kansas has also witnessed considerable job growth in the construction sector.

Accreditation for Colleges in Kansas

With the accelerating growth of online schools, students must determine what program gives them the most value for their money. The best indicator of a quality education is a school's accreditation. Accredited schools undergo a rigorous review process, although not all forms of accreditation are made alike. The two main types are national and regional accreditation. Regional accreditation is generally considered the gold standard. A regionally accredited school holds recognition with one of six regional accrediting bodies.

The best indicator of a quality education is a school's accreditation.

For Kansas, that body is the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. National accreditation typically applies to career-based programs. The Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversees both accreditation processes. CHEA is a private organization composed of more than 60 accrediting bodies that count 3,000 academic institutions among their members. Between it and the U.S. Department of Education, these two groups help standardize accreditation bodies and systems for U.S. institutions. To see a list of accredited online schools in Kansas, visit the CHEA website.