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Most Popular Schools in Kansas

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2023 Most Popular Schools in Kansas

74 Schools Ranked
$43,083 Average Earnings
$24,672 Avg Student Debt

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Most Popular Schools in Kansas ranking. Our analysis looked at 74 schools in Kansas to see which programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas
7,358 Total Awards
$50,693 Average Earnings
$23,985 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found University of Kansas to be the most popular school for students in Kansas. This large public school is located in Lawrence, Kansas, and it awarded 7,358 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,985 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $365, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, KU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,693 during the early year of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

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#2

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas
6,030 Total Awards
$45,255 Average Earnings
$23,965 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Kansas State University. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in Kansas list. Manhattan, Kansas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 6,030 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,965 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $273, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from K -State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,255 during the early years of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Kansas State University

4,297 Total Awards
$43,454 Average Earnings
$28,036 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Fort Hays State University is a great place for students. FHSU is located in Hays, Kansas and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,297 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from FHSU accumulate an average of $28,036 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $165 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from FHSU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,454 during the early years of their career. Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Fort Hays State University

#4

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas
3,761 Total Awards
$45,743 Average Earnings
$26,875 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Wichita State University helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in Kansas. This fairly large public school is located in Wichita, Kansas, and it awarded 3,761 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,875 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $142. During the early years of their career, WSU graduates make an average of $45,743 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Read full report on Wichita State University

#5

Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, Kansas
2,654 Total Awards
$42,711 Average Earnings
$16,311 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 74 schools in Kansas that were part of this year’s ranking, Johnson County Community College landed the # 5 spot on the list. JCCC is located in Overland Park, Kansas and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,654 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,311 in student loans.After graduating from JCCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,711 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read full report on Johnson County Community College

#6

Grantham University

Lenexa, Kansas
1,952 Total Awards
$55,745 Average Earnings
$28,781 Avg Student Debt

Grantham University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This medium-sized private for-profit school is located in Lenexa, Kansas, and it awarded 1,952 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Grantham University accumulate an average of $28,781 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Grantham University graduates make an average of $55,745 annually. Around 48% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Grantham University Report

#7

Emporia State University

Emporia, Kansas
1,860 Total Awards
$40,991 Average Earnings
$22,476 Avg Student Debt

Emporia State University landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Emporia, Kansas, and it awarded 1,860 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,476 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $162.After graduating from ESU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,991 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Read full report on Emporia State University

#8

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, Kansas
1,790 Total Awards
$41,688 Average Earnings
$21,816 Avg Student Debt

Pittsburg State University landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Pittsburg, Kansas, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,790 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,816 in student loans.After graduating from Pitt State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,688 during the early years of their career. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

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#9

Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson, Kansas
1,537 Total Awards
$38,555 Average Earnings
$18,967 Avg Student Debt

Hutchinson Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Kansas list. Hutchinson Community College is located in Hutchinson, Kansas and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,537 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,967 in student loans.After graduating from Hutchinson Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,555 during the early years of their career. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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#10

Washburn University

Topeka, Kansas
1,553 Total Awards
$44,384 Average Earnings
$22,201 Avg Student Debt

Washburn University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #10 on the list. Located in Topeka, Kansas, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,553 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Washburn University accumulate an average of $22,201 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $187. Once they receive their degree, Washburn University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $44,384 during the early year of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Washburn University

1,485 Total Awards
$40,673 Average Earnings
$17,570 Avg Student Debt

Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. WSU Tech is a public institution located in Wichita, Kansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,485 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,570 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, WSU Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,673 during the early year of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology Report

#12

Butler Community College

El Dorado, Kansas
1,416 Total Awards
$30,089 Average Earnings
$18,822 Avg Student Debt

Butler Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #12 on the list. El Dorado, Kansas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,416 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,822 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Butler CC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,089 during the early year of their career. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

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#13

Kansas City Kansas Community College

Kansas City, Kansas
1,128 Total Awards
$34,587 Average Earnings
$15,005 Avg Student Debt

Kansas City Kansas Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #13 on the list. Kansas City Kansas Community College is located in Kansas City, Kansas and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 1,128 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,005 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Kansas City Kansas Community College graduates make an average of $34,587 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read full report on Kansas City Kansas Community College

#14

Barton County Community College

Great Bend, Kansas
989 Total Awards
$41,383 Average Earnings
$15,719 Avg Student Debt

Barton County Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Barton Community College is a public institution located in Great Bend, Kansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 989 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Barton Community College accumulate an average of $15,719 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Barton Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,383 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

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901 Total Awards
$37,073 Average Earnings
$12,419 Avg Student Debt

Washburn Institute of Technology did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #15 on the list. This small public school is located in Topeka, Kansas, and it awarded 901 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $12,419 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Washburn Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,073 during the early year of their career. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Washburn Institute of Technology

#16

Cowley County Community College

Arkansas City, Kansas
828 Total Awards
$30,883 Average Earnings
$12,440 Avg Student Debt

Cowley County Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Cowley County Community College is a small public school located in Arkansas City, Kansas that handed out 828 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,440 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Cowley College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $30,883 during the early year of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

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820 Total Awards
$36,250 Average Earnings
$14,224 Avg Student Debt

Neosho County Community College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Neosho County Community College is a small public school located in Chanute, Kansas that handed out 820 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,224 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Neosho County Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,250 during the early year of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Neosho County Community College Report

#18

Baker University

Baldwin City, Kansas
703 Total Awards
$55,482 Average Earnings
$31,770 Avg Student Debt

Baker University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #18 on the list. Located in Baldwin City, Kansas, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 703 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $31,770 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $202, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Baker graduates make an average of $55,482 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

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#19

Wichita Technical Institute

Wichita, Kansas
627 Total Awards
$26,531 Average Earnings
$22,276 Avg Student Debt

Wichita Technical Institute landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Wichita Technical Institute is a small private for-profit school located in Wichita, Kansas that handed out 627 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,276 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $92, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from WTI, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $26,531 during the early years of their career. Around 48% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Wichita Technical Institute

#20

Highland Community College

Highland, Kansas
617 Total Awards
$30,417 Average Earnings
$15,743 Avg Student Debt

Highland Community College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Highland, Kansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 617 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Highland Community College accumulate an average of $15,743 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Highland Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $30,417 during the early years of their career. Around 71% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Highland Community College Report

598 Total Awards
$49,657 Average Earnings
$26,992 Avg Student Debt

MidAmerica Nazarene University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Kansas ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Olathe, Kansas, and it awarded 598 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $26,992 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $429 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, MNU graduates make an average of $49,657 annually. Around 72% of those degree recipients were women.

Full MidAmerica Nazarene University Report

#22

Garden City Community College

Garden City, Kansas
594 Total Awards
$37,354 Average Earnings
$12,836 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Garden City Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Garden City Community College is a small public school situated in Garden City, Kansas. It awarded 594 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $12,836 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Garden City Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,354 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Garden City Community College Report

#23

Southwestern College

Winfield, Kansas
550 Total Awards
$49,694 Average Earnings
$27,267 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Kansas ranking. SC is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Winfield, Kansas. It awarded 550 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $27,267 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, SC graduates make an average of $49,694 annually. Around 31% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Southwestern College Report

#24

Friends University

Wichita, Kansas
539 Total Awards
$47,438 Average Earnings
$33,040 Avg Student Debt

Friends University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Friends University is located in Wichita, Kansas and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 539 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $33,040 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Friends University graduates make an average of $47,438 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Read full report on Friends University

#25

Benedictine College

Atchison, Kansas
522 Total Awards
$34,471 Average Earnings
$21,853 Avg Student Debt

Benedictine College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Kansas ranking. Benedictine College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Atchison, Kansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 522 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Benedictine College accumulate an average of $21,853 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Benedictine College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $34,471 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Read full report on Benedictine College

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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