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Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Kansas

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Kansas accounting programs present a striking cost divide, with public universities averaging under $18,000 in net costs while private institutions climb toward $29,520. This gap becomes more meaningful when examining outcomes: Kansas State University graduates earn $55,964 annually despite moderate costs, while Fort Hays State offers the lowest net price at $13,493 but yields $40,188 in graduate earnings. The state's aerospace sector, anchored by Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation, creates steady demand for financial professionals who understand manufacturing accounting and regulatory compliance. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with six of the top eight schools charging net costs below $19,000. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Kansas State's 70.5% to Ottawa University's 28.7%, suggesting that school selection impacts completion as much as career preparation. The Kansas Promise Act adds another layer to affordability by covering community college tuition for qualifying students, creating pathways into four-year accounting programs at reduced cost.
22
Programs
$12,473 – $29,520
Net Price Range
$47,208
Avg. Program Earnings
47.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,776 $54,032 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
2 $13,046 $44,595 $9,578 52.6%
3 $17,883 $55,964 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
4 $13,493 $40,188 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
5 $17,365 $46,087 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
6 $15,702 $41,565 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
7 $18,289 $44,783 $15,340 50.0%
8 $18,889 $40,728 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
9 $25,752 $50,231 $32,748 61.5% 63.3%
10 $27,477 $51,273 $34,800 65.1% 98.8%
11 $27,310 $49,840 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
12 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
13 $24,837 $35,162 52.0% 65.9%
14 $29,520 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%
15 $28,083 $35,300 28.7% 78.2%
16 $19,045 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
17 $23,335 $33,890 44.1% 81.9%
18 $22,403 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%
19 $19,868 $35,050 32.9% 52.7%
20 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
21 $29,203 $31,946 28.7% 66.0%
22 $22,500 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $16,000 difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Fort Hays State University charges just $13,493 net cost compared to MidAmerica Nazarene's $29,520, reflecting the public-private divide in Kansas higher education. Public universities benefit from state funding that keeps tuition lower, while private colleges rely heavily on tuition revenue. However, the earnings gap is smaller than the cost difference, with graduates from these programs earning within $10,000 of each other annually. This suggests that for accounting majors, the premium for private education may not translate to proportional salary increases.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Kansas accounting schools?

Higher-cost private schools don't guarantee better completion rates, as evidenced by Ottawa University's 28.7% graduation rate despite a $28,083 net cost. Kansas State leads in both graduation rate at 70.5% and earnings at $55,964, while maintaining a moderate $17,883 net cost. Fort Hays State achieves a 47.8% graduation rate at the lowest cost, suggesting that affordability doesn't necessarily compromise completion. The data shows that institutional support and student preparation matter more than price tags for program completion.

Is debt load consistent across Kansas accounting programs?

Graduate debt varies from $16,308 at Emporia State to $26,153 at Rasmussen University-Kansas, with most public universities clustering around $20,500. Private schools don't automatically create higher debt loads, as Benedictine College graduates carry the same $21,500 debt as Kansas State students. Emporia State stands out with the lowest debt burden while maintaining reasonable earnings of $41,565. This debt variation suggests that financial aid packages and living costs significantly impact the total borrowing needed beyond just tuition differences.

What makes Kansas State University the earnings leader for accounting graduates?

Kansas State accounting graduates earn $55,964 annually, nearly $16,000 more than Fort Hays State graduates, despite both being public institutions. The university's location in Manhattan provides access to regional businesses and internship opportunities that improve career preparation. Kansas State also maintains a 70.5% graduation rate, suggesting stronger student support systems that help students complete their degrees and enter the job market successfully. The combination of program quality, career services, and alumni networks appears to justify the higher net cost compared to other state schools.

Does acceptance rate indicate program selectivity or accessibility in Kansas accounting schools?

Most Kansas accounting programs maintain high acceptance rates, with Benedictine College accepting 98.83% of applicants and Kansas State accepting 95.14%, suggesting these programs prioritize accessibility over exclusivity. Friends University represents the most selective option at 63.27% acceptance, which correlates with its higher graduation rate of 61.5%. The high acceptance rates across public universities indicate that motivated students can gain admission to quality accounting programs without extremely competitive admissions processes. This accessibility aligns with Kansas's goal of meeting workforce demands in financial services and manufacturing sectors.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.