18 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
|
$13,493 | $57,461 | $5,633 | 47.8% | 88.0% |
| 2 |
Washburn University
Topeka, Kansas
|
$13,046 | $54,812 | $9,578 | 52.6% | |
| 3 |
Rasmussen University-Kansas
Topeka, Kansas
|
$18,289 | $73,870 | $15,340 | 50.0% | |
| 4 |
Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas
|
$13,776 | $50,965 | $9,322 | 51.4% | 94.9% |
| 5 |
Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
|
$15,702 | $52,941 | $7,356 | 54.3% | 95.7% |
| 6 |
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
|
$17,365 | $58,350 | $11,700 | 68.8% | 87.8% |
| 7 |
Tabor College
Hillsboro, Kansas
|
$19,868 | $59,846 | $35,050 | 32.9% | 52.7% |
| 8 |
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas
|
$18,889 | $54,586 | $8,008 | 57.6% | 86.2% |
| 9 |
University of Saint Mary
Leavenworth, Kansas
|
$23,335 | $61,764 | $33,890 | 44.1% | 81.9% |
| 10 |
Newman University
Wichita, Kansas
|
$19,045 | $50,287 | $35,500 | 53.8% | 51.0% |
| 11 |
Baker University
Baldwin City, Kansas
|
$22,500 | $57,168 | $33,900 | 59.4% | 91.8% |
| 12 |
Southwestern College
Winfield, Kansas
|
$27,310 | $59,169 | $38,480 | 33.5% | 70.2% |
| 13 |
Bethel College-North Newton
North Newton, Kansas
|
$24,392 | $49,632 | $34,002 | 43.1% | 97.2% |
| 14 |
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, Kansas
|
$29,520 | $59,626 | $36,120 | 46.2% | 66.8% |
| 15 |
Benedictine College
Atchison, Kansas
|
$27,477 | $55,383 | $34,800 | 65.1% | 98.8% |
| 16 |
Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina, Kansas
|
$23,369 | $46,087 | $33,470 | 38.5% | 69.6% |
| 17 |
Ottawa University-Ottawa
Ottawa, Kansas
|
$28,083 | $35,300 | 28.7% | 78.2% | |
| 18 |
Hesston College
Hesston, Kansas
|
$21,458 | $31,368 | 57.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What explains the $60,824 earnings gap between top and bottom nursing programs in Kansas?
Rasmussen University graduates earn $73,870 while Bethel College graduates earn $49,632, creating this substantial difference. Program focus areas influence these outcomes, with some schools emphasizing clinical specializations that command higher salaries. Geographic placement also matters, as graduates working in Kansas City metro areas typically earn more than those in rural communities. The higher-earning programs often have stronger connections to major medical centers and specialty healthcare facilities.
How do Kansas public nursing schools compare to private institutions in terms of value?
Public schools dominate the value equation, with five of the six lowest net costs belonging to state institutions. Fort Hays State, Washburn, and Wichita State all charge under $14,000 net cost while producing graduates earning over $50,000 annually. Private schools like MidAmerica Nazarene charge $29,520 but offer comparable earnings at $59,626. The University of Kansas provides the best combination of affordability and outcomes among public options.
Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Kansas nursing schools?
The University of Kansas achieves the highest graduation rate at 68.80% while charging $17,365, suggesting that moderate increases in cost can improve completion rates. However, expensive schools like Southwestern College graduate only 33.50% of students despite charging $27,310. Fort Hays State maintains a respectable 47.80% graduation rate at the lowest cost point. The correlation appears strongest among mid-priced programs rather than at cost extremes.
Where do Kansas nursing graduates find the best employment opportunities?
Major healthcare systems in Wichita, Kansas City, and Topeka provide the strongest job markets for new nursing graduates. The University of Kansas Medical Center and Wesley Healthcare anchor employment in their respective regions. Rural hospitals throughout Kansas also recruit heavily from state programs, often offering competitive packages to attract talent. Agricultural communities and aerospace manufacturing centers like those around Spirit AeroSystems create additional healthcare demand beyond traditional hospital settings.
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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.