In the following ranking, we evaluate some of the most affordable bachelor’s degrees in Kansas to help prospective students narrow down the hundreds of programs that are available throughout the state. Even a quick review of the universities and colleges in Kansas will convince students that the institutions of higher learning here closely reflect the interests and values of local learners. As a Midwestern state, Kansas is religious, low-key, friendly, and significantly rural and suburban. Therefore, many of the postsecondary institutions are affordable state schools, private religious colleges, and career-focused institutions that offer degrees in farming technology and agriculture. On the other hand, students seeking an urban setting can find their place in Wichita and other large cities.
As you begin to research colleges and universities in Kansas, how do you know which institutions will meet your academic and professional goals without breaking the bank? Enter our ranking list of the most affordable bachelor’s degree colleges in Kansas in which we score schools based on how they perform across three core metrics related to student satisfaction, affordability, and class size.
Methodology
Regardless of the career path you wish to pursue, there are many affordable, high-quality institutions to choose from for your bachelor’s degree. Since there are a number of factors to consider before making your decision, including student-to-faculty ratios, graduation rates, and tuition costs, keeping track of information and making these comparisons can be time-consuming and challenging. To help you through this process, we conducted a search for the term “colleges in Kansas” using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to get our initial list of schools. We then cross-referenced the information we obtained with each school’s website to provide accurate and up-to-date information for 2019.
Average Cost of Attendance
One of the most important factors on which to base your decision is the average cost of attendance. While the goal is to choose a bachelor’s degree that won’t break the bank, it is important to avoid selecting a college or university simply because it is the cheapest. Instead, choose a school based on what it offers such as opportunities for experiential learning, its majors and concentrations, and extracurriculars that allow students to enjoy a vibrant academic experience. For this ranking, we awarded points for tuition based on how much in-state students can expect to pay for one year of 15-hour semesters.
Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
As you compare the student-to-faculty ratios of each school in order to choose the setting in which you will best succeed, think about your own academic experience, educational needs, and personal priorities. In other words, are you looking for small class sizes in which you can be held accountable for your studies, or do you prefer large classes in which you can take advantage of more opportunities for concentrations or majors not typically found at small colleges? Although there are pros and cons to each, we determined that schools with low student-to-faculty ratios would receive the most points as they are more likely to enroll fewer students and, as a result, offer more opportunities for one-on-one mentoring, advising and tutoring, and personal relationships between professors and students.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
Finally, we use each school’s graduation rate as a way to determine how satisfied students are with its programs. In other words, colleges and universities with high graduation rates may be more likely to offer academic support, affordable programs, and faculty members who are experts in their field as well as other academic benefits that prompt students to want to remain enrolled in their chosen majors and ultimately graduate with a degree. Before you commit time and money to a program, consider not only the school’s admission rate and the likelihood of being accepted but also the percentage of students that complete their studies. For the purpose of this ranking, we awarded the most points to schools that reported the highest graduations rates.
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking Top 20 Best Affordable Bachelor’s Degree Colleges in Kansas
20. Sterling College
Sterling, Kansas
Points: 5
School Website
Located in Sterling, Kansas, Sterling College is a private Christian liberal arts college that is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The school enrolls more than 700 students each year, offering affordable on-campus and online degree programs in traditional academic areas such as English, media arts and communication, and biology as well as faith-focused programs in Christian ministries and biblical studies. Through the school’s membership in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, students may take advantage of study-abroad opportunities in Australia, Latin America, Russia, and England. Rather than setting boundaries and rules based on rituals and denomination, students are encouraged to develop their faith via student leadership, community engagement, and service-based learning.
In-State Tuition: $26,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 39 percent
19. Manhattan Christian College
Manhattan, Kansas
Points: 5
School Website
Founded as Christian Workers University in 1927, Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, Kansas provides a number of affordable academic programs designed to enrich, equip, and educate Christian leaders, regardless of profession. Students may choose from on-campus, traditional programs, online-only classes, and adult education options. MCC provides undergraduate degrees in Bible and leadership as well as Christian ministry, including specializations in family ministry, children’s ministry, intercultural ministry, pastoral ministry, counseling, and more. Students may also enroll in dual degrees in nursing, finance, computer science, or agribusiness through collaborative programs with Manhattan Area Tech or Kansas State University. Students may pursue leadership opportunities and participate in student council, attend weekly chapel services, or work as resident assistants.
In-State Tuition: $16,260
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,260
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent
18. Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas
Points: 5
School Website
Located on a 330-acre campus in Wichita, Kansas, Wichita State University is an affordable public research university that offers more than 200 areas of study across six schools and colleges: the College of Health Professions, College of Fine Arts, College of Engineering, College of Education, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the W. Frank Barton School of Business. Founded in 1895, WSU confers more than 60 low-cost majors to more than 11,200 undergraduate students in areas such as education, engineering, the health professions, business, and fitness studies, leisure, parks, and recreation. Outside the classroom, WSU offers more than 150 student-run organizations as well as opportunities for volunteering, student teaching, and participating in the school’s NCAA Division I athletic teams.
In-State Tuition: $8,270
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,452
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
17. Benedictine College
Atchison, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
Founded in 1971 through a merger of the all-women’s Mount St. Scholastica College and the all-men’s St. Benedict’s College, Benedictine College is a Benedictine liberal arts college located in Atchison, Kansas. Benedictine offers 50 cheap majors, pre-professional programs, and master’s degrees to more than 2,300 students in in-demand fields such as architecture, astronomy, computer science, engineering, exercise science, and management. Students may also take advantage of the school’s leading undergraduate theology program or pursue a new major in architecture. With its new state-of-the-art engineering and science building as well as a new Student Recreation Center and rigorous yet affordable academic programs, Benedictine is recognized as one of the most affordable, high-quality Benedictine institutions of higher learning in the nation.
In-State Tuition: $29,530
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,530
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 63 percent
16. McPherson College
McPherson, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
Located in McPherson, Kansas, McPherson College is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. Established in 1887, the school enrolls fewer than 800 undergraduate students and boasts a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. McPherson provides affordable undergraduate degrees in more than 30 areas of study, including the performing arts, environmental stewardship, digital media, entrepreneurship, and automotive restoration. Students may also choose to combine various academic disciplines in order to create their own major, and past examples of student-designed tracks include sports management and broadcast journalism, public relations and political science, and international studies and bioethics. Pre-professional programs are also offered in veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and law.
In-State Tuition: $28,951
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,951
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 36 percent
15. University of Saint Mary
Leavenworth, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
Located in Leavenworth, Kansas, the University of Saint Mary is a private liberal arts university that enrolls fewer than 800 undergraduates annually. Established as Saint Mary College by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth in 1923, USM is known for its personalized approach to academics with a strong foundation in the Catholic faith and moral principles. USM offers low-cost Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in majors such as business, behavioral and social science, healthcare, education, liberal arts, and math, natural sciences, and information technology. Students may also pursue pre-professional, non-health care programs in pre-veterinary, pre-law, pre-actuary, and pre-engineering, a 3+2 degree offered in collaboration with the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
In-State Tuition: $28,810
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,810
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
14. Bethel College-North Newton
North Newton, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
Bethel College, established in 1887, is a liberal arts Christian college located in North Newton, Kansas. A four-year, private institution, the school is affiliated with the Mennonite Church and offers three inexpensive bachelor’s programs: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science, and a Bachelor of Arts. Students can choose from more than 43 areas of study provided through 19 universities and colleges, and they may take advantage of undergraduate research programs, clinical placements, study-abroad opportunities, and service learning experiences to further supplement their education. Bethel College is also the first private college in Kansas to offer a four-year graduation guarantee, meaning that full-time freshmen taking a single major are guaranteed to graduate in four years or the school will provide free tuition for all courses needed to complete the program requirements.
In-State Tuition: $28,540
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,540
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent
13. Friends University
Wichita, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
Established in 1898, Friends University is a private, nondenominational Christian University located in Wichita, Kansas. Friends University offers more than 75 areas of study to choose from, including undergraduate, adult undergraduate, transfer, or graduate programs. Students seeking a cheap bachelor’s degree can choose from a Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Arts, and course offerings include music, mathematics, psychology, accounting, and computer information systems. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes are small, and students benefit from a personalized approach to education that is difficult to find among universities and colleges in Kansas. For students seeking a more faith-based college experience, the school’s campus ministry provides an assortment of programs and activities, including mission trips, a summer ministry initiative, and chapel services.
In-State Tuition: $28,415
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,415
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent
12. Tabor College
Hillsboro, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
Tabor College, located in Hillsboro, Kansas, is a private, four-year Christian college that is owned and operated by the Mennonite Brethren Church. Established in 1908, the school enrolls fewer than 750 students, resulting in a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and offers 26 affordable, low-cost bachelor’s degree programs in art and design, athletic training, business, communications, social and behavioral science, mathematics and science, and Bible, religion, and philosophy. Aspiring teachers may pursue majors in secondary education, elementary education, or educational studies. Students seeking a vibrant, exciting college experience may enjoy participating in Tabor’s chapel services, drama events, and 18 varsity sports teams.
In-State Tuition: $28,260
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,260
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 38 percent
11. Hesston College
Hesston, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
Hesston College, a private college in Hesston, Kansas, enrolls 400 students who hail from 15 countries and 30 states. The school boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, meaning that students benefit from mentoring, advising, and close relationships with their professors. Hesston offers a two-year curriculum in which all students complete the same core coursework, and students may choose from more than 50 majors offered in one-, two-, three-, or four-year degree programs as well as four-year transfer programs and pre-professional transfer programs. Affordable bachelor’s degrees in aviation and nursing are also offered. At Hesston, students can take advantage of many opportunities for involvement and fun such as clubs and organizations, intramural and intercollegiate sports, and campus ministries, including spiritual retreats, book study and Bible study groups, and campus worship.
In-State Tuition: $26,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
10. University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
The University of Kansas, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is a public research university that also operates a number of research institutes, including the University of Kansas Cancer Center, across the state. KU is known for the discovery of vitamins A and D, for being the first to extract helium from gas, and as the birthplace of basketball. In terms of academics, KU enrolls more than 28,400 undergraduate and graduate students in its 13 schools across five campuses, including locations in Lawrence, Salina, Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City. KU confers more than 400 affordable degrees and certificate programs, including more than 200 undergraduate fields of study and more than 50 ranked graduate programs. The school’s Center for Undergraduate Research provides undergraduates with opportunities to begin their creative project or research as early as their freshman year.
In-State Tuition: $11,148
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,358
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 63 percent
9. Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
Located in Manhattan, Kansas, Kansas State University was established in 1863 as a land-grant college and the first public institution of higher learning in the state. With branch campuses in Olathe and Salina as well as online, KSU enrolls more than 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year, and it prides itself on its world-renowned faculty, commitment to academic excellence, and affordable, diverse degree programs. In fact, students may choose from more than 250 low-cost majors and options, including inexpensive, popular programs in social sciences, family and consumers sciences, engineering, agriculture and agricultural operations, and business, management, and marketing. To make its programs more accessible and affordable for its students, KSU offers more than $230 million in work-study programs, loans, grants, and scholarships each year.
In-State Tuition: $10,383
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,887
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 63 percent
8. Washburn University
Topeka, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
Located in Topeka, Kansas, Washburn University is a coeducational, public postsecondary institution that offers more than 200 low-cost bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as pre-professional programs in business and law. Founded in 1865 as Lincoln College, the school enrolls more than 7,500 students, and bachelor’s options include degrees in homeland security, education, business, and the health professions as well as mass media studies, film and video, digital forensics, and creative advertising. Outside of the classroom, students may participate in WU’s NCAA Division II athletic teams, including tennis, soccer, basketball, and football, or choose from more than 100 organizations to join. Staff, faculty, and students may also take advantage of numerous recreational, cultural, and volunteer opportunities across the WU campus and in the greater Topeka community.
In-State Tuition: $8,312
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,560
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 39 percent
7. Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
Pittsburg State University is a public university in Pittsburg, Kansas that enrolls more than 7,400 undergraduate and graduate students annually. Established as the Auxiliary Manual Training Normal School in 1903, PSU boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1 and provides more than 200 affordable academic programs, many of which focus on applied job skills such as construction management, automotive technology, career and technical education, and technology and workforce learning. PSU also offers more traditional bachelor’s degrees in the arts and sciences, including programs in mathematics, English, biology, and communication. In addition, PSU’s Kelce College of Business was recently recognized as one of the country’s most family-friendly business schools, and the school’s $30 million technology center is home to 13 computer labs and more than 70 state-of-the-art classrooms and research facilities. Approximately 90 percent of PSU students pursued graduate studies or found employment within six months of earning their degree.
In-State Tuition: $7,298
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,642
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent
6. Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
Established as the Kansas State Normal School in 1863, Emporia State University is a public university in Emporia, Kansas that enrolls more than 5,700 students annually. The third-oldest public institution of higher learning in the state, ESU offers inexpensive degrees in more than 80 areas of study through its four divisions: the Teachers College, School of Library and Information Management, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and School of Business. In addition to offering inexpensive bachelor’s degrees in English, nursing, and physical education, to name a few, ESU provides pre-professional programs in 10 fields of study. ESU is also known for its $9 million Presidential Scholarship program that helps to offset the cost of tuition and make its low-cost programs a little more affordable for learners. Students have the opportunity to expand their learning outside the classroom through ESU’s more than 130 student organizations and clubs or cheer on the school’s NCAA Division II athletic teams.
In-State Tuition: $6,758
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,675
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 45 percent
5. Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Points: 6
School Website
Fort Hays State University is a public university in Hays, Kansas that was established in 1902 as the western branch of Kansas State Normal School, now known as Emporia State University. FHSU confers more than 70 inexpensive majors and unique programs for undergraduates through its five academic colleges, and popular programs include criminal justice, information studies, nursing, education, and business. Students may also take advantage of FHSU’s agricultural program and its numerous specializations in fields such as animal science, beef cattle management, and agronomy as well as its on-campus commercial farm with real livestock for research and coursework. FHSU reports a graduate placement rate of 95 percent, meaning that students are either employed or admitted into a graduate program within six months after graduation. Students may participate in 200 intramural activities as well as 100 student organizations and groups.
In-State Tuition: $5,130
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,210
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
4. Baker University
Baldwin City, Kansas
Points: 7
School Website
Founded in 1858, Baker University is a private Christian university in Baldwin City, Kansas and the first university to be officially established in the state. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Baker is comprised of four schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Education, and the School of Professional & Graduate Studies. Popular areas of study include psychology, sociology, sport and fitness administration and management, kinesiology and exercise science, and business administration and management as well as the sciences, including pre-medicine and health. With an 83% acceptance rate into medical school, Baker is a low-cost, solid choice for those looking to pursue a career in the healthcare industry or the medical sciences. The school also reports a 99 percent job and graduate school placement rate as well as the highest average salaries among Kansas graduates. With an incredible 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes, students have plenty of opportunities to interact with their fellow students and instructors while promoting a community of connections that last a lifetime.
In-State Tuition: $29,830
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,830
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Graduation Rate: 57 percent
3. MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, Kansas
Points: 7
School Website
Established by the Church of the Nazarene in 1966, MidAmerican Nazarene University is a Christian liberal arts college located in Olathe, Kansas. Through six colleges, MNU offers a number of affordable academic programs rooted in the Christian faith, including more than 30 bachelor’s degrees as well as bachelor’s degree-completion programs, certificates, and graduate degrees. Bachelor’s options span traditional disciplines such as ministry, sports management, business administration, elementary education, or nursing or students may pursue a more unique program such as kinesiology or intercultural studies. In addition to offering a range of enriching support services, clubs, and groups, MNU operates the Center for Science and Faith that provides a welcoming and collaborative environment for the discussion of faith integration in science education, the philosophy of science, and the sciences.
In-State Tuition: $29,736
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,736
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Graduation Rate: 51 percent
2. Barclay College
Haviland, Kansas
Points: 7
School Website
Barclay College, located in Haviland, Kansas, is a four-year, private Christian college that aims to prepare students for effective Christian leadership, service, and life. Affiliated with the Religious Society of Friends, Barclay is known for its degrees in ministry, and undergraduates may pursue low-cost bachelor’s programs in the Bible and theology, missions, pastoral ministry, sports and recreation ministry, worship arts, and youth ministry. Barclay also offers secular programs for those looking for a more traditional area of study, including degrees in psychology and family studies, elementary education, and business administration. Students are required to devote 12 hours to service learning each semester for a total of 96 hours of charitable contributions and volunteer work before they graduate.
In-State Tuition: $19,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 53 percent
1. Donnelly College
Kansas City, Kansas
Points: 7
School Website
Founded in 1949 and located in Kansas City, Kansas, Donnelly College is a coeducational, Catholic college that confers low-cost certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees to fewer than 300 students. Donnelly offers two affordable degrees at the bachelor’s level: one in information systems and another in organizational leadership. Both programs feature a strong liberal arts curriculum integrated with the student’s chosen career-oriented major. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Donnelly is the only college in a four-state region to be designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Minority-Serving Institution. Approximately 81 percent of the school’s student body are first-generation college students with an average household income of $27,000.
In-State Tuition: $7,260
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,260
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 9 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Most In-Demand Careers in Kansas for Graduates With a Bachelor’s Degree?
As you begin to think about your education and your future, you may be concerned about job growth and stability. We wanted to include information about the most in-demand careers in Kansas, specifically for graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree. To do this, we consulted the Kansas Department of Labor (DOL), where we gathered data that took into account current, two-year, and 10-year projected employment demands across all industries.
Current high school students and recent college graduates alike may benefit from exploring the new Kansas Career Navigator website, an intuitive dashboard designed to help students choose training and education programs, analyze performance information, access workforce training providers, and peruse labor market information. The site also offers real-time access to high-wage, in-demand occupations and job opportunities by local area or county selection.
According to the Kansas DOL, the following are the top 15 fastest-growing occupations for undergraduates with a bachelor’s degree, ranked in order from the greatest demand to the least demand:
- Registered Nurses
- General and Operations Managers
- Accountants and Auditors
- Elementary School Teachers
- Secondary School Teachers
- Scouts and Coaches
- Marketing Specialists and Marketing Research Analysts
- Financial Managers
- Managers, All Other
- Loan Officers
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other
- Training and Development Specialists
- Sales Managers
- Software Developers, Applications
- Medical and Health Services Managers
As we can see, the hottest industries in Kansas for 2019 include healthcare, marketing and business, education, and computer science. With today’s ever-evolving technology, businesses and organizations are recognizing that they need skilled employees to stay on the cutting edge and ahead of their competition, and this trend is not faltering anytime soon. Whether you are interested in a career in the healthcare industry or you see yourself helping businesses become more profitable, holding a position in one of these industries ensures job stability for years to come.
What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Kansas?
Do you have a specific career in mind, or are you researching salaries for different occupations in order to determine which path would result in the highest earnings? To determine the highest-paying jobs in Kansas, we used state occupational employment and wage estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2018, the most recent data available. According to the BLS, who calculated these estimates based on data from all employers across all industries throughout nonmetropolitan and metropolitan Kansas regions, the annual mean wage was $45,280. The five highest-paying jobs in Kansas include surgeons, with a yearly salary of $282,940, psychiatrists, with annual earnings of $226,090, and family and general practitioners, who brought home $215,450. General internists and physicians and all other surgeons round out the top five, reporting annual mean wages of $197,440 and $191,430, respectively.
Although many students use their bachelor’s degrees as a stepping stone to law school or medical school, we wanted to take a closer look at jobs you can attain with additional experience and training. Below we have listed 15 of some of the top-paying occupations one can pursue in Kansas as well as their salary figures as of May 2018.
- Chief Executives: $172,100
- Sales Managers: $147,230
- Marketing Managers: $142,740
- Financial Managers: $129,660
- Architectural and Engineering Managers: $129,220
- Air Traffic Controllers: $122,510
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: $119,050
- Petroleum Engineers: $118,160
- Postsecondary Economics Teachers: $114,000
- Nuclear Engineers: $113,690
- Human Resources Managers: $107,810
- Materials Engineers: $106,350
- Aerospace Engineers: $105,540
- Purchasing Managers: $104,740
- Physician Assistants: $104,720
What Are the Best Schools in Kansas for Bachelor’s Recipients?
As you begin to narrow down your options for the best college or university to meet your academic needs and professional goals, it is important to consider your return on investment (ROI). Below, we have compiled a list of five of the universities and colleges we detailed above with the goal of providing early career salary earnings, mid-career earnings, and 20-year net ROI figures, or the amount you can expect to make 20 years after graduating with a bachelor’s degree, according to PayScale. Before you invest time and money into a program, consider now only the cost of the program right now but also how much more you would make with a bachelor’s degree rather than just a high school diploma. The schools below are ranked in order from highest ROI to the lowest ROI, and the figures are based on earnings from in-state students who earned a bachelor’s degree without any type of financial aid package.
- 1. University of Kansas
– 20-Year Net ROI: $374,000
– Early Career Pay: $51,500
– Mid-Career Pay: $98,300 - 2. Kansas State University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $349,000
– Early Career Pay: $51,600
– Mid-Career Pay: $94,600 - 3. Wichita State University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $288,000
– Early Career Pay: $48,000
– Mid-Career Pay: $84,000 - 4. Baker University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $268,000
– Early Career Pay: $47,400
– Mid-Career Pay: $82,500 - 5. Pittsburg State University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $220,000
– Early Career Pay: $46,200
– Mid-Career Pay: $83,700
The Sunflower State, known for the Wizard of Oz, Langston Hughes, the Missouri River, and agriculture, is also home to some of the top colleges and universities in the country. When choosing a bachelor’s degree college in Kansas, it is important to consider the ROI you can expect to earn 20 years after graduating as well as early career and mid-career pay that an undergraduate degree can provide. The University of Kansas tops our list in all three areas, making it one of the “best value” and most affordable bachelor’s degree colleges in Kansas.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 20 most affordable bachelor’s degree colleges in Kansas.
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