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Best Value Marketing Colleges in Kansas

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

Kansas marketing programs reveal a dramatic cost-to-earnings divide that makes public universities the clear winners for return on investment. While private colleges like MidAmerica Nazarene charge $29,520 annually, graduates from the University of Kansas earn $47,846 after completing their marketing degree at just $17,365 per year. This earnings advantage matters in Kansas, where aerospace giants like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation create steady demand for marketing professionals who understand both B2B relationships and consumer outreach. The state's 19 marketing programs span from Fort Hays State's ultra-affordable $5,633 in-state tuition to private institutions costing six times more, yet the highest-earning graduates come from public universities that charge significantly less than their private counterparts.
19
Programs
$12,473 – $29,520
Net Price Range
$41,994
Avg. Program Earnings
47.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Marketing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,046 $45,696 $9,578 52.6%
2 $17,365 $47,846 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
3 $17,883 $45,175 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
4 $13,776 $34,230 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
5 $13,493 $33,281 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
6 $18,289 $43,240 $15,340 50.0%
7 $18,889 $43,798 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
8 $27,477 $42,682 $34,800 65.1% 98.8%
9 $24,837 $35,162 52.0% 65.9%
10 $19,868 $35,050 32.9% 52.7%
11 $22,403 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%
12 $27,310 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
13 $28,083 $35,300 28.7% 78.2%
14 $29,520 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%
15 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
16 $25,752 $32,748 61.5% 63.3%
17 $15,702 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
18 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
19 $29,203 $31,946 28.7% 66.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $14,565 earnings gap between top and bottom marketing programs in Kansas?

University of Kansas graduates earn $47,846 annually compared to $33,281 for Fort Hays State graduates, reflecting differences in alumni networks, career services, and employer recruitment patterns. The University of Kansas maintains stronger connections with major Kansas employers and has a 68.80% graduation rate versus 47.80% at Fort Hays. Additionally, Lawrence's proximity to Kansas City expands internship and job opportunities. However, Fort Hays charges only $5,633 for in-state students compared to $11,700 at KU, creating different value propositions for different financial situations.

How do Kansas public universities compare to private colleges for marketing value?

Public universities deliver superior value with graduates earning $34,230 to $47,846 while charging $17,883 or less annually. Private colleges cost $19,868 to $29,520 but produce lower median earnings, with Benedictine College graduates earning $42,682 despite paying $27,477 per year. Kansas State University exemplifies this advantage, charging $17,883 while graduates earn $45,175 with a strong 70.50% graduation rate. The data shows no private college in Kansas justifies its premium pricing for marketing degrees based purely on earnings outcomes.

Does graduation rate correlate with higher earnings for Kansas marketing students?

The relationship varies significantly across Kansas marketing programs. Kansas State achieves both high graduation rates at 70.50% and strong earnings at $45,175, while Wichita State graduates only 51.40% of students but those graduates face much lower debt at $16,687. Some private colleges like Benedictine show 65.10% graduation rates but graduates still earn less than public university alumni. The University of Kansas combines the best of both worlds with 68.80% graduation rates and the highest earnings at $47,846.

Where do Kansas marketing graduates find the best debt-to-income ratios?

Wichita State University provides the most favorable debt outcomes with graduates owing just $16,687 while earning $34,230 annually, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio of approximately 49%. University of Kansas graduates earn significantly more at $47,846 with debt of $21,893, resulting in an even better 46% ratio. Fort Hays State presents a concerning outlier where graduates owe $27,525 despite earning only $33,281, creating an 83% debt-to-income ratio. Private colleges generally saddle students with higher debt loads without corresponding earnings benefits.

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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.