College enrollment is growing in Kansas, but earning a degree remains a big investment. Fortunately, many online colleges in Kansas offer affordable options for students.
In-state students at public schools typically pay the most affordable rates, while 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 and provides information on popular bachelor's programs, career and salary outlooks, and available scholarship and grant opportunities for Kansas students.
Popular Online Programs
Top Online Colleges in Kansas
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About 1 in 3 students qualify for the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, which offers $200-$10,000 to students with financial need who attend eligible institutions.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Kansas
Kansas's fastest-growing jobs include nurse practitioners, information security analysts, and medical and health services managers. Half of these growing careers are in healthcare due to the rising demand for preventive and chronic care, while others are in information technology because of the growing technology needs across industries.
| Career | Projected Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Average Wage in Kansas, May 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 35% | $127,900 |
| Logistician | 17% | $61,920 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | 23% | $118,980 |
| Physician Assistant | 20% | $125,990 |
| Information Security Analyst | 29% | $100,850 |
| Software Developer | 15% | $112,900 |
| Veterinary Technologist or Technician | 9% | $42,500 |
| Personal Financial Advisor | 10% | $164,480 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor | 17% | $59,530 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | 15% | $84,230 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Kansas's Job Market
Majoring in one of the growing fields in Kansas can help you enter a strong job market. The majors below meet the minimum education requirements for roles in the fastest-growing industries in the Sunflower State:
Business
A business degree covers accounting, marketing, finance, and management, with options to specialize in what interests you. This broad foundation opens career paths in nearly every industry, from human resources and accounting to supply chain and business analytics.
Nursing
A nursing degree teaches you how to care for patients and gives you hands-on clinical experience to prepare for work as a registered nurse. You'll study subjects like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, along with skills such as giving medications and assessing patients. Most programs aim to prepare you to pass the NCLEX-RN and earn your RN license.
Computer Science and Information Technology
A computer science and information technology major teaches you how to design software and systems and how to manage and maintain technology. A computer science and IT major prepares you for careers like software development, IT support, and network administration.
Healthcare
A healthcare major covers fields like nursing, public health, and healthcare administration. You'll take courses in science, ethics, health law, and management, preparing you for roles in patient care, public health, or healthcare administration and policy.
What Is the Cost of 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 charge the samein-state tuition rates to all online students, regardless of state residency.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees at public four-year colleges in Kansas is about $10,000, which is roughly $3,000 higher than the national average.
Public four-year colleges in Kansas charge less, on average, than private four-year colleges. As a result, you can save money on a degree by attending a public four-year college. The following table outlines average undergraduate and graduate tuition rates in Kansas and the U.S.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Fees in Kansas (Adjusted to 2025 Dollars) | Average Tuition & Required Fees in the U.S. (2023-24) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year, In-State (Undergrad) | $10,068 | $6,944 |
| Private Four-Year (Undergrad) | $33,781 | $27,978 |
| Public Four-Year (Graduate) | $9,216 | $11,827 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Kansas
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.
Kansas Military Service Scholarship
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.
Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship
Kansas residents training for a career as an RN or LPN can apply for this scholarship. The scholarship sponsor agrees to employ recipients after they graduate.
Kansas Seed Industry Association Scholarship
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.
The Rudd Scholarship Program
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.
Kansas's Hero Scholarship
Dependents and spouses of deceased or disabled Kansas public safety officers, military personnel, and prisoners of war (after January 1, 1960).
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Kansas
Tuition reciprocity allows students to attend out-of-state schools in participating states at in-state tuition rates, making college more affordable and accessible. Kansas has tuition reciprocity agreements with six states: Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Kansas
There are 13 colleges in the metropolitan area of Kansas City, including public, private, two-year, and four-year schools. The largest is the University of Missouri-Kansas City, with about 15,000 students. Other institutions include Kansas City University, Ottawa University-Kansas City, and Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City.
