Online Schools and Colleges in Kansas

There are six state universities, 26 community colleges, and several more technical schools in the state of Kansas, with more than 226,000 students enrolled between them. But the value of college is underrated in parts of the state, despite well-paying jobs that require a college degree, such as nurses and engineers, being highly in-demand. With the expansion of online learning, earning a degree is more accessible and flexible than it used to be; if you want to learn more about how a college degree can increase your career and salary opportunities and how to find the right college for your needs, take a look at our guide to identifying the best online colleges in Kansas below.

Earning an online degree can lead to advanced career opportunities and higher earning potential. Online schools and colleges in Kansas offer a variety of affordable, accredited programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with a bachelor’s degree earn a median of $461 more per week than those with only a high school diploma.

This guide includes details about some of the best online schools and colleges in Kansas, along with information about choosing the best program for your needs and securing financial aid.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

The largest city in Kansas, Wichita has an abundance of postsecondary educational institutions, as expected, with 14 throughout the region. Kansas cares about education: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 17.9 percent of Wichita residents over the age of 25 hold a bachelor’s degree, and more than 10 percent of the city’s population has earned a graduate degree. The state has recognized the need to provide traditional and nontraditional students with training and academic offerings to build a strong workforce.

Kansas offers many options for online learners. Prospective students can find information about each school’s online offerings by reviewing the school’s website and by contacting the institution directly. Wichita State University maintains a separate page listing online majors. The Kansas Board of Regents provides a list and interactive map of all public postsecondary institutions in the state.

SEARCH ALL ACCREDITED SCHOOLS IN KANSAS

In Kansas and throughout the nation, average salaries tend to increase with higher levels of education. The table below illustrates the correlation between education level and earning potential.

Mirroring the nationwide trend, Kansas tuition rates have steadily increased in recent years. The tables below compare tuition costs in Kansas to the national averages. The average tuition rate for in-state students at public colleges in Kansas is on par with the national average. Out-of-state learners pay about $3,000 less than the national average. Private institutions in Kansas charge about $9,000 less per year than the national average.

The figures above do not include additional costs, such as room and board. Learners should research fees and expenses at each prospective school. Below are some cost considerations for online students.

In-state students typically pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state learners. To qualify for in-state tuition in Kansas, students must have resided in the state for at least one year for a purpose other than education and must intend to remain in the state permanently. Learners can prove residency through a driver’s license, voter registration records, or full-time employment records.

Some online schools and colleges in Kansas charge all online learners the same tuition rates, regardless of residency status. Students who live in a state that participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program can qualify for reduced tuition rates at Kansas schools. Learners should consult their prospective school for specific residency requirements.

Most students need assistance to fund their college education. Scholarships and grants are ideal forms of funding, since they do not require repayment. Below is a sampling of some scholarships and grants available to students at online schools and colleges in Kansas.

FINANCIAL AID FOR ONLINE SCHOOLS

Accreditation demonstrates that a school meets set academic standards and prepares learners to succeed in the workforce. Independent accrediting agencies evaluate schools based on factors including curricula, support services, and faculty. The following sections detail various types of accreditation and how to confirm an institution’s accreditation status.

Regional accreditation, considered the most prestigious type of institutional accreditation, demonstrates that a school meets minimum academic standards. Learners who attend a school without regional accreditation cannot qualify for federal financial aid. Kansas institutions earn regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

National accreditation typically applies to technical and vocational schools. Degrees and credits earned from nationally accredited institutions do not generally transfer to regionally accredited schools.

In addition to institutional accreditation, learners can look for programs that hold specialized accreditation. Subject-specific accreditation shows that a program meets educational and professional standards for the field. For example, the Department of Nursing at Fort Hays State University offers programs with accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

To find out whether a school or program holds accreditation, you can consult the online directories from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Students can search the directories by institution, program, and accrediting agency.

Online learning options can help adult students obtain education and training to pursue new careers and higher salaries. The following sections include statistics and information about online learning and adult education in Kansas.

Adult learners in Kansas can earn their high school diploma online for free.

In 2019, more than 6,600 adult students participated in Kansas adult education programs, including adult basic education, English as a second language, and adult secondary education programs.

Kansas technical and community colleges helped more than 3,000 adult learners complete career pathway programs between 2012 and 2015.

Source: Kansas Online Learning Program, Kansas Board of Regents

Many organizations provide resources to support learners attending online schools and colleges in Kansas. The resources below can help students locate financial aid opportunities, learn about online programs, and access services for distance learners.