2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Kansas
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Kansas? This list ranks 77 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 41 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Kansas
Explore the best-value schools below:
Johnson County Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Science & Tech degree schools in Kansas. This public school is set in Overland Park, KS. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Johnson County Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $13,532 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,387 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,532 median debt. More on Johnson County Community College
You'll get strong value at Cowley County Community College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Arkansas City, KS. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,600. Graduates carry a median of $9,312 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,723 ten years out. Set against $9,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cowley County Community College
You'll get strong value at Kansas City Kansas Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public school based in Kansas City, KS. Students from in state pay about $2,996 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,482. Students borrow a median of $13,129 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,795 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kansas City Kansas Community College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hutchinson Community College earned it the #4 place in Kansas. Set in Hutchinson, KS, Hutchinson Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,540 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $18,148. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. Set against $18,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Hutchinson Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Garden City Community College earned it the #5 place in Kansas. This public school is set in Garden City, KS. Students from in state pay about $3,690 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,320. Students borrow a median of $11,084 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,704 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,084 median debt. Read more about Garden City Community College
Labette Community College landed the #6 spot for value in Kansas this year. Set in Parsons, KS, Labette Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,064, compared with $4,864 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,288 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $37,818 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Labette Community College
Barton County Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Great Bend, KS, Barton County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,680, compared with $4,960 for out-of-state students. Barton County Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $14,792 in debt. Barton County Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,428 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Barton County Community College report
Seward County Community College And Area Technical School ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Liberal, KS, Seward County Community College And Area Technical School is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,032 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,408. Seward County Community College And Area Technical School Science & Tech students take on a median of $9,175 in debt. Seward County Community College And Area Technical School alumni report median earnings of $41,445 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Seward County Community College And Area Technical School
Colby Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Colby, KS, Colby Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,140, while out-of-state students pay about $5,830. Graduates carry a median of $14,796 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,889 ten years after entry. Set against $14,796 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Colby Community College
Fort Hays State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,967. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fort Hays State University
Neosho County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Chanute, KS, Neosho County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,704. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,966 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,209 median debt. Read more about Neosho County Community College
Butler Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in El Dorado, KS, Butler Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,541, compared with $6,271 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $16,670. Median earnings reach $41,206 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Butler Community College report
Dodge City Community College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Dodge City, KS, Dodge City Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,650, with out-of-state students paying around $5,850. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,427. Read more about Dodge City Community College
Wichita Area Technical College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,237. Students borrow a median of $11,828 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,679. That is a strong return on a $11,828 median debt. Read more about Wichita Area Technical College
Flint Hills Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Flint Hills Technical College is a public school based in Emporia, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,944. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,690. Flint Hills Technical College alumni report median earnings of $47,007 a decade after entry. Set against $14,690 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Flint Hills Technical College report
North Central Kansas Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Beloit, KS, North Central Kansas Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,350. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,928 ten years after entry. Read the full report on North Central Kansas Technical College
Pittsburg State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Pittsburg State University is a public school based in Pittsburg, KS. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,744 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,669 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,579 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,669 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Pittsburg State University
Emporia State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,419. Graduates carry a median of $23,131 in student loans. Emporia State University alumni report median earnings of $47,601 a decade after entry. Set against $23,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Emporia State University profile
Kansas State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $23,546 in student loans. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,546 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Kansas State University
Wichita State University placed #21 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kansas. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,262 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. Set against $24,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. More on Wichita State University
University Of Kansas placed #22 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kansas. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Students borrow a median of $23,608 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Manhattan Area Technical College landed the #23 spot for value in Kansas this year. Located in Manhattan, KS, Manhattan Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,844. Students borrow a median of $15,499 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,864. That is a strong return on a $15,499 median debt. More on Manhattan Area Technical College
Washburn University landed the #24 spot for value in Kansas this year. Based in Topeka, KS, Washburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,945, with out-of-state students paying around $20,949. Graduates carry a median of $21,175 in student loans. Washburn University alumni report median earnings of $49,774 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,175 median debt. More on Washburn University
Ottawa University Online placed #25 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kansas. Set in Overland Park, KS, Ottawa University Online is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,296. Graduates carry a median of $30,758 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ottawa University Online report
Rasmussen College Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Topeka, KS, Rasmussen College Kansas is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,316 in tuition and fees. Rasmussen College Kansas Science & Tech students take on a median of $28,798 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,080 ten years out. Set against $28,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rasmussen College Kansas
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Kansas
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Ottawa University Kansas City ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Overland Park, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,296. Graduates carry a median of $30,758 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,552. Set against $30,758 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ottawa University Kansas City profile
Baker University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Baldwin City, KS, Baker University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,200. Baker University Science & Tech students take on a median of $29,554 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,855. Set against $29,554 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Baker University report
Newman University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Wichita, KS, Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,500 in tuition and fees. Newman University Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,562 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,041 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,562 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full Newman University profile
University Of Saint Mary offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Leavenworth, KS, University Of Saint Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,380. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $27,810. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,483. Set against $27,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on University Of Saint Mary
Central Christian College Of Kansas came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in McPherson, KS, Central Christian College Of Kansas is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,000. Graduates carry a median of $36,560 in student loans. Central Christian College Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $44,468 a decade after entry. Set against $36,560 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Christian College Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 53%. Get the full Central Christian College Of Kansas report
Friends University landed the #32 spot for value in Kansas this year. Friends University is a private not-for-profit school based in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,192. Friends University Science & Tech students take on a median of $29,721 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,113 ten years after entry. Set against $29,721 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Friends University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read the full report on Friends University
Southwestern College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Winfield, KS, Southwestern College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,822 in tuition and fees. Southwestern College Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,874 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,646 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,874 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southwestern College
Benedictine College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Atchison, KS, Benedictine College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,350. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,990. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,175. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Benedictine College
Midamerica Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Olathe, KS, Midamerica Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,174. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,740. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,972. That is a strong return on a $25,740 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Midamerica Nazarene University
Tabor College landed the #36 spot for value in Kansas this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hillsboro, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,200. Tabor College alumni report median earnings of $54,058 a decade after entry. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Tabor College
Ottawa University Ottawa ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Ottawa, KS, Ottawa University Ottawa is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,880 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $30,416. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,552. Set against $30,416 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ottawa University Ottawa
Kansas Wesleyan University placed #38 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kansas. Set in Salina, KS, Kansas Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,630 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,076. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,152 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,076 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kansas Wesleyan University
Sterling College Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Sterling, KS, Sterling College Kansas is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $33,700. Students borrow a median of $27,250 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Sterling College Kansas alumni report median earnings of $45,846 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 48%. More on Sterling College Kansas
Mcpherson College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Mcpherson College is a private not-for-profit school based in McPherson, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,146. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,084 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mcpherson College has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on Mcpherson College
Northwest Kansas Technical College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Northwest Kansas Technical College is a public school based in Goodland, KS. Median earnings reach $38,616 ten years out. More on Northwest Kansas Technical College
Bellus Academy
Bellus Academy placed #41 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kansas. See the full Bellus Academy profile
Manhattan Christian College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Manhattan Christian College
Crave Beauty Academy landed the #43 spot for value in Kansas this year. Get the full Crave Beauty Academy report
Fort Scott Community College landed the #44 spot for value in Kansas this year. More on Fort Scott Community College
Hesston College
Hesston College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. See the full Hesston College profile
Paul Mitchell The School Wichita ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read more about Paul Mitchell The School Wichita
Wichita Technical Institute ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. More on Wichita Technical Institute
Midwest Barber College landed the #48 spot for value in Kansas this year. See the full Midwest Barber College profile
Coffeyville Community College placed #49 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Kansas. Get the full Coffeyville Community College report
Heartland Welding Academy offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. More on Heartland Welding Academy
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 41 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 77 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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