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Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Kansas

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

The University of Kansas stands apart among Kansas liberal arts programs with $38,289 median earnings, nearly $8,600 above the second-highest earner in the state. While private colleges like MidAmerica Nazarene reach $29,520 in net costs, public options range from just $13,046 at Washburn University to $18,889 at Pittsburg State. This pricing gap reflects Kansas's commitment to accessible higher education through state funding. Liberal arts graduates find opportunities in the state's aerospace sector, where companies like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation value communication skills and critical thinking abilities that humanities programs develop. The data reveals a clear pattern: Kansas public universities deliver strong returns on investment, with Fort Hays State offering the lowest net price at $13,493 while maintaining $37,328 median earnings.
19
Programs
$12,473 – $29,520
Net Price Range
$33,540
Avg. Program Earnings
49.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,493 $37,328 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
2 $17,365 $38,289 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
3 $15,702 $32,772 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
4 $18,889 $32,032 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
5 $17,883 $29,685 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
6 $22,500 $31,133 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%
7 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
8 $13,046 $9,578 52.6%
9 $19,868 $35,050 32.9% 52.7%
10 $27,310 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
11 $23,335 $33,890 44.1% 81.9%
12 $29,520 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%
13 $23,608 $18,424 54.8% 48.0%
14 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
15 $19,045 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
16 $25,752 $32,748 61.5% 63.3%
17 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
18 $29,203 $31,946 28.7% 66.0%
19 $27,477 $34,800 65.1% 98.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide gap between public and private college costs in Kansas liberal arts programs?

Kansas public universities receive significant state funding that keeps net costs between $13,046 and $18,889, while private institutions range from $19,045 to $29,520. The Kansas Promise Act further reduces costs by covering community college tuition for certain programs. This state investment allows schools like Fort Hays State to maintain low prices while delivering strong graduate outcomes. Private colleges must rely on tuition revenue and endowments, creating the substantial price difference.

How do graduation rates compare between Kansas public and private liberal arts programs?

Kansas State University leads public institutions with a 70.5% graduation rate, closely followed by the University of Kansas at 68.8%. Private colleges show more variation, with Manhattan Christian College reaching 54.8% while others like Southwestern College achieve only 33.5%. Public universities generally outperform private colleges in completion rates despite lower costs. The data suggests that state funding helps public institutions provide better support systems for student success.

Does the University of Kansas justify its higher costs compared to other state schools?

The University of Kansas charges $17,365 net cost, about $4,000 more than Fort Hays State, but delivers the highest median earnings at $38,289. This creates a strong return on investment despite higher upfront costs. The school also maintains an impressive 68.8% graduation rate and accepts 87.84% of applicants. Lawrence's proximity to Kansas City provides additional internship and career opportunities that may contribute to higher graduate earnings.

What career opportunities exist for liberal arts graduates in Kansas?

Kansas's aerospace industry, anchored by Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation, actively recruits liberal arts graduates for roles requiring communication and analytical skills. Agriculture businesses throughout the state need professionals who can bridge technical and public-facing responsibilities. The median earnings range of $29,685 to $38,289 reflects opportunities in both traditional liberal arts fields and Kansas's growing technology sector. State government positions in Topeka also provide stable career paths for humanities graduates.

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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.