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Best Value Business Administration Colleges in Kansas

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

Kansas business programs deliver surprising value through massive cost variations that reveal strategic opportunities for different student profiles. Haskell Indian Nations University charges just $3,031 net price while producing graduates earning $21,508, creating an accessible pathway into business careers. At the opposite end, Baker University commands $22,500 but rewards graduates with $56,415 median earnings, the state's highest business salary outcomes. The 20 programs span from $3,031 to $29,520 in net costs, yet earnings cluster more tightly between $21,508 and $56,415, suggesting Kansas employers value business skills regardless of institution prestige. This alignment benefits students entering the state's aerospace manufacturing sector, where companies like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation seek operations managers and business analysts. Public universities like University of Kansas and Kansas State deliver strong graduation rates above 68% while maintaining reasonable debt loads around $20,500. The state's low living costs amplify the real value proposition, particularly for students targeting local employment in agriculture business, aviation management, or Kansas City's expanding logistics sector.
26
Programs
$3,031 – $29,520
Net Price Range
$43,838
Avg. Program Earnings
46.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,031 $21,508 $600 42.6% 93.3%
2 $13,046 $46,790 $9,578 52.6%
3 $12,473 $38,669 $21,000 23.0%
4 $13,776 $42,522 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
5 $17,365 $53,537 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
6 $13,493 $38,787 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
7 $15,702 $42,235 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
8 $18,289 $47,129 $15,340 50.0%
9 $22,500 $56,415 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%
10 $17,883 $43,712 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
11 $27,310 $49,214 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
12 $29,520 $51,106 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%
13 $25,752 $43,899 $32,748 61.5% 63.3%
14 $27,477 $42,682 $34,800 65.1% 98.8%
15 $28,083 $39,369 $35,300 28.7% 78.2%
16 $15,686 $10,950 28.6%
17 $19,045 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
18 $28,827 $26,590 55.2% 52.7%
19 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
20 $23,608 $18,424 54.8% 48.0%
21 $24,837 $35,162 52.0% 65.9%
22 $23,335 $33,890 44.1% 81.9%
23 $22,403 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%
24 $19,868 $35,050 32.9% 52.7%
25 $15,025 $10,350 38.0%
26 $29,203 $31,946 28.7% 66.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $26,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The gap reflects institutional type rather than quality disparities. Haskell Indian Nations University serves as a federally funded tribal institution charging $3,031 net price, while private colleges like MidAmerica Nazarene reach $29,520. Public universities cluster in the middle range from $13,046 to $17,883. Despite cost variations, graduation rates don't correlate directly with price, as Kansas State achieves 70.5% completion at $17,883 while Southwestern College manages only 33.5% at $27,310.

How do Kansas business graduates' earnings compare to their debt loads?

Most programs maintain favorable debt-to-earnings ratios, with typical debt around $20,500 against median salaries from $38,000 to $56,000. Baker University graduates earn $56,415 while carrying $31,031 in debt, creating a manageable 55% debt-to-income ratio. Emporia State offers particularly strong value with $42,235 earnings against just $14,250 debt. Even lower-earning programs like Haskell produce graduates with minimal debt burdens relative to their $21,508 starting salaries.

Does attending University of Kansas justify the higher cost over regional universities?

KU's $17,365 net price delivers $53,537 median earnings and 68.8% graduation rates, suggesting strong value despite higher costs. Graduates earn $10,000 more annually than Fort Hays State counterparts while paying just $4,000 more in net price. KU's Lawrence location provides access to more corporate internships and recruiting from Kansas City employers. The investment typically pays back within two years through higher starting salaries in management positions.

What makes private colleges competitive despite their higher sticker prices?

Private institutions often provide substantial financial aid that narrows actual cost gaps with public schools. Central Christian College charges $21,000 list price but averages $12,473 net cost through aid packages. Baker University demonstrates this model's success, with graduates earning $56,415 despite $22,500 net costs. Smaller class sizes and personalized career services at private colleges can accelerate job placement in Kansas's aerospace and agriculture sectors, justifying premium pricing for some students.

Where do Kansas business graduates typically find employment after graduation?

Kansas business graduates enter varied sectors including aerospace manufacturing, agriculture business, and financial services concentrated around Wichita and Kansas City metros. Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation actively recruit operations managers and business analysts from state universities. The state's central location supports logistics and supply chain careers, while growing technology sectors in Overland Park create demand for project managers. Agricultural cooperatives and food processing companies like Cargill also provide management opportunities throughout rural Kansas communities.

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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.