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Rural Colleges in Kansas

11 schools in Kansas. See our methodology.

North Central Kansas Technical College achieves a 75.5% graduation rate while maintaining affordable tuition, making it the standout performer among Kansas rural institutions. The state's 11 rural colleges serve students across vastly different price points, from Independence Community College's $6,262 net price to Bethany College's $29,203 annual cost. These schools connect directly to Kansas's aerospace economy, with Spirit AeroSystems and Textron requiring skilled technicians that programs like North Central's produce. Community colleges benefit from the Kansas Promise Act, which covers tuition for eligible students pursuing high-demand careers. Rural campuses range from Sterling College's 569 students to Barton County's 2,273 enrollment, creating tight-knit learning environments. Post-graduation earnings span $34,941 to $63,855, with Baker University graduates commanding the highest salaries. The acceptance rate spread from 52.7% to 91.8% reflects varying selectivity levels, while graduation rates tell a more complex story of student success across different institutional missions and student populations.
11
Schools
$18,337
Avg. Net Price
$45,525
Avg. Earnings
45.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Kansas

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Remote 472 $17,460 75.5%
2 Rural-Fringe 807 $11,477 45.9%
3 Rural-Fringe 2,273 $11,865 42.9%
4 Rural-Distant 1,262 $10,388 38.6%
5 Rural-Distant 308 $21,458 57.4%
6 Rural-Fringe 518 $6,262 34.3%
7 Rural-Remote 161 $28,827 55.2%
8 Rural-Distant 1,080 $22,500 59.4%
9 Rural-Remote 530 $19,868 32.9%
10 Rural-Remote 583 $29,203 28.7%
11 Rural-Remote 569 $22,403 29.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes North Central Kansas Technical College stand out among rural options?

North Central achieves a 75.5% graduation rate, the highest among Kansas rural colleges, while maintaining a reasonable $17,460 net price. With 472 students, the Beloit campus focuses on technical training that leads to $46,928 average earnings, connecting graduates directly to Kansas aerospace and manufacturing jobs.

How does the Kansas Promise Act affect rural college costs?

The Kansas Promise Act covers community college tuition for students pursuing high-demand career programs. This makes schools like Cloud County Community College ($11,477 net price) and Highland Community College ($10,388 net price) even more affordable for technical and healthcare training programs.

Is there a significant earnings difference between rural college graduates?

Yes, earnings vary dramatically from $34,941 at Independence Community College to $63,855 at Baker University. Technical programs at North Central ($46,928) and Hesston College ($47,495) produce competitive salaries, while four-year liberal arts institutions typically show higher long-term earning potential.

Does enrollment size affect the rural college experience in Kansas?

Enrollment ranges from Barclay College's intimate 161 students to Barton County's 2,273 student body. Smaller schools like Hesston College (308 students) offer personalized attention and 57.4% graduation rates, while larger community colleges provide more program variety and lower costs.

Where do rural Kansas college graduates typically find employment?

Graduates often join Kansas's aerospace sector, including Spirit AeroSystems and Textron, plus regional healthcare systems and agricultural businesses. Technical college graduates particularly benefit from the state's manufacturing growth, with aviation maintenance and healthcare programs seeing strong local job placement rates.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.