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Kansas accounting programs reveal sharp divides between public and private costs, with Central Christian College of Kansas offering the lowest net price at $12,473 while most private schools exceed $19,000. Public universities dominate affordability rankings, claiming six of the top nine positions. Kansas State University accounting graduates earn the highest median income at $55,964, nearly $15,000 more than Fort Hays State graduates despite similar debt loads around $21,000. The state's aerospace industry, anchored by Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation, creates steady demand for financial professionals who handle complex manufacturing accounting and federal contract compliance. Washburn University stands out with particularly low debt at $18,912 while maintaining solid graduation rates at 52.6%. The cost advantage extends beyond tuition through Kansas's low living expenses and the Kansas Promise Act, which covers community college costs for students transitioning into four-year accounting programs.
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 In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
2 $13,046 $9,578 52.6%
3 $13,493 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
4 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
5 $15,702 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
6 $17,365 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
7 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
8 $18,289 $15,340 50.0%
9 $18,889 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
10 $19,045 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
11 $19,868 $35,050 32.9% 52.7%
12 $22,403 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%
13 $22,500 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%
14 $23,335 $33,890 44.1% 81.9%
15 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
16 $24,837 $35,162 52.0% 65.9%
17 $25,752 $32,748 61.5% 63.3%
18 $27,310 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
19 $27,477 $34,800 65.1% 98.8%
20 $28,083 $35,300 28.7% 78.2%
21 $29,203 $31,946 28.7% 66.0%
22 $29,520 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the $40,000 tuition gap between public and private accounting programs in Kansas?

Public universities like Fort Hays State charge just $5,633 in-state tuition while private schools like Newman University cost $35,500. State funding allows public institutions to subsidize education costs significantly. Private colleges often provide more personalized attention and smaller class sizes, but this comes at a premium that pushes net costs above $19,000 for most students.

How do Kansas accounting graduate earnings compare across different universities?

Kansas State University accounting graduates earn $55,964 median income, representing the state's highest figure and $14,399 more than Fort Hays State graduates at $40,188. Wichita State follows closely at $54,032, benefiting from its location in Kansas's largest city with more corporate opportunities. Even the lowest-earning programs still produce graduates making over $40,000, reflecting strong baseline demand for accounting skills.

Is student debt manageable for Kansas accounting graduates given their earning potential?

Most Kansas accounting programs keep debt below $22,000, with Emporia State offering the lowest at $16,308. Washburn University graduates carry just $18,912 in debt while earning $44,595, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. Even higher-debt programs like Rasmussen University at $26,153 remain reasonable when weighed against accounting career stability and growth potential.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Kansas accounting education?

The relationship between cost and graduation rates varies significantly across Kansas accounting programs. Kansas State University justifies its $17,883 net cost with a 70.5% graduation rate, while Central Christian College costs just $12,473 but graduates only 23% of students. Fort Hays State achieves a respectable 47.8% graduation rate at $13,493, suggesting affordable options can still provide reasonable completion rates.

Where do Kansas's aerospace and agriculture industries create accounting job opportunities?

Wichita's aerospace corridor, home to Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation, requires specialized cost accountants and financial analysts familiar with government contract accounting standards. Agricultural businesses throughout Kansas need accountants versed in commodity pricing, crop insurance, and seasonal cash flow management. These industry connections help explain why Wichita State accounting graduates earn $54,032, reflecting the city's concentrated demand for financial expertise.

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