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Small Colleges in Kansas

50 schools in Kansas. See our methodology.

Technical colleges dominate Kansas's small higher education sector, with four of the top five schools specializing in career training that feeds directly into the state's aerospace and manufacturing economy. North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit leads with a 75.5% graduation rate and $46,928 median earnings, while Manhattan Area Technical College graduates earn the highest at $51,864 annually. These numbers reflect strong alignment with Kansas employers like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron, which need skilled technicians and operators. The state's 54 small colleges span a remarkable cost range from $5,300 at Hutchinson Community College to $23,608 at Manhattan Christian College. Community colleges benefit from the Kansas Promise Act, which covers tuition for eligible students pursuing high-demand programs. Graduation rates vary dramatically from 37.9% to 100%, largely reflecting different institutional missions and student populations. Technical programs consistently show stronger completion rates than traditional liberal arts offerings, with Salina Area Technical College achieving 71.6% despite charging just $7,018 annually. This performance gap highlights how career-focused education aligns better with student goals in Kansas's smaller communities, where immediate employment opportunities often outweigh four-year degree aspirations.
50
Schools
$15,561
Avg. Net Price
$45,671
Avg. Earnings
48.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Kansas

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 472 $17,460 75.5%
2 328 $11,752 66.1%
3 341 $15,533 67.5%
4 352 $7,018 71.6%
5 837 $8,021 57.3%
6 4,093 $13,046 52.6%
7 600 $8,244 43.0%
8 2,911 $5,300 45.2%
9 132 $23,608 54.8% 48.0%
10 1,140 $6,742 46.4%
11 807 $11,477 45.9%
12 1,548 $6,752 47.4%
13 2,273 $11,865 42.9%
14 1,321 $8,681 41.1%
15 848 $10,179 38.9%
16 1,262 $10,388 38.6%
17 3,071 $15,255 37.9%
18 4,162 $18,889 57.6% 86.2%
19 761 $5,899 39.1%
20 36 $16,971 100.0%
21 870 $5,481 41.6%
22 333 $18,289 50.0%
23 1,200 $6,147 31.0%
24 308 $21,458 57.4%
25 857 $19,045 53.8% 51.0%
26 1,015 $25,752 61.5% 63.3%
27 2,778 $10,741 36.3%
28 763 $665 33.7%
29 518 $6,262 34.3%
30 2,328 $15,702 54.3% 95.7%
31 343 $15,025 38.0%
32 766 $7,795 28.7%
33 161 $28,827 55.2% 52.7%
34 314 $12,222 76.9%
35 977 $29,520 46.2% 66.8%
36 1,080 $22,500 59.4% 91.8%
37 786 $24,837 52.0% 65.9%
38 878 $3,031 42.6% 93.3%
39 2,236 $27,477 65.1% 98.8%
40 67 $9,355 72.7%
41 530 $19,868 32.9% 52.7%
42 79 $33,243 33.3% 86.7%
43 889 $23,335 44.1% 81.9%
44 394 $12,473 23.0%
45 97
46 894 $23,369 38.5% 69.6%
47 1,026 $27,310 33.5% 70.2%
48 583 $29,203 28.7% 66.0%
49 569 $22,403 29.0% 61.1%
50 935 $28,083 28.7% 78.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Kansas technical colleges so successful compared to community colleges?

Technical colleges achieve significantly higher graduation rates, with the top four averaging 70.2% completion compared to community colleges around 45%. Their focused career training programs align directly with Kansas aerospace and manufacturing jobs, creating clear pathways from classroom to employment within 18-24 months.

How affordable are Kansas small colleges compared to other states?

Net prices range from just $5,300 at Hutchinson Community College to $23,608 at Manhattan Christian College. Community college students benefit from the Kansas Promise Act, which can cover full tuition for high-demand programs, making technical education particularly accessible across the state's 54 institutions.

Where do graduates from these schools typically find employment?

Kansas technical college graduates often join aerospace companies like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron, earning median salaries between $41,000-$52,000. The state's manufacturing base creates steady demand for skilled technicians, with Manhattan Area Technical College graduates commanding the highest earnings at $51,864 annually.

Is the wide graduation rate range concerning for prospective students?

The 37.9% to 100% graduation rate spread reflects different institutional missions rather than quality issues. Technical colleges consistently outperform community colleges because their programs target specific career outcomes, while community colleges serve broader populations including part-time and transfer students with varying completion goals.

What enrollment sizes can students expect at these schools?

Student bodies range from 132 at Manhattan Christian College to 4,093 at Washburn University. Most technical colleges enroll 300-500 students, creating intimate learning environments. Community colleges typically serve 800-2,900 students, offering more program variety while maintaining smaller class sizes than major universities.

How competitive is admission to Kansas small colleges?

Acceptance rates span 48% to 86.2%, with most institutions maintaining open or near-open admission policies. Community colleges typically accept all qualified applicants, while technical colleges may have program-specific requirements. Private schools like Manhattan Christian College are more selective at 47.96% acceptance.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.