Finding Your Best School Match
We analyzed 24 colleges and universities across Kansas to determine which ones have the best bachelor's degree programs. Our ranking methodology focuses on different objective factors to make this determination of the best schools. In the next few paragraphs, we'll talk a little about what we use in our analysis and why.
Average Earnings
One measure we use to determine the quality of a school is to look at the average salary of bachelor's graduates during the early years of their career. After all, your degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.
Taking Out Student Loans
Another factor that we look at to determine a school's ranking is the average debt load that students take on while they are working on their bachelor's degree.
When attending a school in Kansas, bachelor's degree students accumulate an average of $28,681 in student debt before graduation.
We consider this number in conjunction with average post-graduation earnings to gauge the difficulty bachelor's recipients will have paying back their loans.
More Ranking Factors That Are Important
We also analyze a number of other factors in addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt when coming up with our yearly Best Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking.
On a broad level, other factors that go into our rankings include such things as the demand of the school, the student body caliber, if the school has online options, and the educational resources provided by the school.
To learn more, visit our best colleges ranking methodology page.
More Rankings to View
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narrow this list by location to find the best bachelor's degree schools nearest you. Also, check out our other
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Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in Kansas
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
4,600
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,398
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,105
Average Student Debt
Our analysis found University of Kansas to be the best school for bachelor’s degrees in Kansas in this year’s ranking. This large public school is located in Lawrence, Kansas, and it awarded 4,600 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $41,398 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $24,105 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $365 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Full University of Kansas Report
3,967
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,608
Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,986
Average Student Debt
A rank of #2 on our Best Bachelor’s Degree in Kansas list means Kansas State University is a great place for students working on their degree. K -State is located in Manhattan, Kansas and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,967 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from K -State is $42,608 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $23,986 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $273.
Learn More About Kansas State University
3,223
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,581
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,504
Average Student Debt
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Fort Hays State University. The school came in at #3 in Kansas on this year’s best bachelor’s degree schools ranking. FHSU is a fairly large public school situated in Hays, Kansas. It awarded 3,223 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from FHSU go into careers with an average salary of $38,581 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $26,504 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $165 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Learn More About Fort Hays State University
2,550
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,701
Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,114
Average Student Debt
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Wichita State University. The school came in at #4 in Kansas on this year’s best bachelor’s degree schools ranking. Located in Wichita, Kansas, the fairly large public school awarded 2,550 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from WSU is $40,701 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $25,114 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $142 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Full Wichita State University Report
428
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$50,338
Average Early-Career Earnings
$31,164
Average Student Debt
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Southwestern College. The school came in at #5 in Kansas on this year’s best bachelor’s degree schools ranking. Southwestern College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Winfield, Kansas that handed out 428 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from SC go into careers with an average salary of $50,338 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $31,164.
Full Southwestern College Report
1,079
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,265
Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,877
Average Student Debt
Pittsburg State University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Pittsburg, Kansas, and it awarded 1,079 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Pitt State go into careers with an average salary of $40,265 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $23,877 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Pittsburg State University
914
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,618
Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,674
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #7, Washburn University did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas list. Washburn University is a public institution located in Topeka, Kansas. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 914 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Washburn University make an average of $39,618 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,674. Average monthly loan payments are around $187 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on Washburn University
735
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$33,808
Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,590
Average Student Debt
Emporia State University ranked #8 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas list. Located in Emporia, Kansas, the medium-sized public school handed out 735 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from ESU is $33,808 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $22,590 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $162.
Learn More About Emporia State University
487
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$31,145
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,000
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #9, Benedictine College did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Atchison, Kansas, and it awarded 487 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Benedictine College go into careers with an average salary of $31,145 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $24,000.
Read full report on Benedictine College
367
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$48,022
Average Early-Career Earnings
$31,731
Average Student Debt
Baker University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas ranking, coming in at #10. Baldwin City, Kansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 367 students in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Baker go into careers with an average salary of $48,022 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $31,731 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $202.
Read full report on Baker University
428
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,591
Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,188
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #11, MidAmerica Nazarene University did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas list. MidAmerica Nazarene University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Olathe, Kansas that handed out 428 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from MNU make an average of $44,591 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $25,188. Average monthly loan payments are around $429 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Full MidAmerica Nazarene University Report
118
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,277
Average Early-Career Earnings
Tabor College ranked #12 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas list. Tabor is located in Hillsboro, Kansas and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 118 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Tabor make an average of $43,277 per year during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Tabor College
309
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,323
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,167
Average Student Debt
Newman University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas ranking, coming in at #13. Wichita, Kansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 309 students in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Newman University make an average of $38,323 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $24,167 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Newman University
313
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,406
Average Early-Career Earnings
$30,935
Average Student Debt
Friends University landed the #14 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas ranking. Located in Wichita, Kansas, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 313 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Friends University is $42,406 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $30,935 in student loans.
Read full report on Friends University
92
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,023
Average Early-Career Earnings
$29,578
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #15, Ottawa University - Ottawa did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas list. Ottawa is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Ottawa, Kansas. It awarded 92 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Ottawa make an average of $42,023 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $29,578 after getting their degree.
Full Ottawa University - Ottawa Report
217
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$50,174
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,746
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #16, University of Saint Mary did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas list. University of St. Mary is a private not-for-profit institution located in Leavenworth, Kansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 217 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from University of St. Mary is $50,174 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $27,746.
Full University of Saint Mary Report
166
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,707
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,300
Average Student Debt
Kansas Wesleyan University landed the #17 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas ranking. Kansas Wesleyan University is located in Salina, Kansas and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 166 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Kansas Wesleyan University go into careers with an average salary of $36,707 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $26,300.
Full Kansas Wesleyan University Report
163
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,145
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,000
Average Student Debt
McPherson College did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas ranking, coming in at #18. Located in McPherson, Kansas, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 163 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $35,145 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $27,000.
Full McPherson College Report
60
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,023
Average Early-Career Earnings
$29,504
Average Student Debt
Ottawa University - Online landed the #19 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas ranking. Ottawa University - Online is a small private not-for-profit school located in Ottawa, Kansas that handed out 60 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Ottawa University - Online go into careers with an average salary of $42,023 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $29,504 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Ottawa University - Online
160
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$24,706
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,150
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #20, Bethany College Kansas did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas list. Lindsborg, Kansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 160 students in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Bethany College Kansas make an average of $24,706 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $27,150.
Full Bethany College Kansas Report
93
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,023
Average Early-Career Earnings
$29,504
Average Student Debt
Ottawa University - Kansas City ranked #21 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Overland Park, Kansas, and it awarded 93 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Ottawa University - Kansas City go into careers with an average salary of $42,023 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $29,504 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Ottawa University - Kansas City
137
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,485
Average Early-Career Earnings
$35,852
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #22, Central Christian College of Kansas did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas list. Central Christian College is a private not-for-profit institution located in McPherson, Kansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 137 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $36,485 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $35,852.
Full Central Christian College of Kansas Report
94
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$26,480
Average Early-Career Earnings
Haskell Indian Nations University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas ranking, coming in at #23. Haskell is a public institution located in Lawrence, Kansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 94 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Haskell go into careers with an average salary of $26,480 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on Haskell Indian Nations University
33
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$47,884
Average Early-Career Earnings
$38,578
Average Student Debt
Rasmussen University - Kansas landed the #24 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Kansas ranking. Located in Topeka, Kansas, the small private for-profit school handed out 33 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $47,884 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $38,578 after getting their degree. This translates to an average monthly payment of $146 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Read full report on Rasmussen University - Kansas
Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Plains States Region
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