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Manhattan Area Technical College achieves a remarkable 66.1% graduation rate while maintaining affordable costs at $11,752 net price, demonstrating how specialized technical training aligns with Kansas's aerospace sector needs. The state's 22 urban colleges span from WellSpring's perfect 100% graduation rate with just 36 students to massive University of Kansas with nearly 20,000 undergraduates earning $61,945 median salaries after graduation. Kansas Promise Act coverage makes community college education particularly accessible, with institutions like Kansas City Kansas Community College serving over 3,000 students at reasonable costs. Technical programs gain special relevance given major employers like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron requiring skilled workers throughout the state. The acceptance rate spread from Manhattan Christian College's selective 48% to Kansas State University's open 95.1% creates pathways for students across academic preparation levels. Johnson County Community College enrolls over 10,600 students despite a 29.5% graduation rate, reflecting the reality of community college student populations who often transfer or pursue workforce entry rather than degree completion. Earnings potential varies significantly, from $29,839 for specialized health programs to over $60,000 for full university graduates, with most urban institutions producing graduates earning between $40,000-$55,000 annually.
22
Schools
$16,319
Avg. Net Price
$47,483
Avg. Earnings
52.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Kansas

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Small 328 $11,752 66.1%
2 City-Small 19,857 $17,365 68.8%
3 City-Midsize 4,093 $13,046 52.6%
4 City-Small 14,835 $17,883 70.5%
5 City-Small 132 $23,608 54.8%
6 City-Midsize 3,071 $15,255 37.9%
7 City-Small 36 $16,971 100.0%
8 City-Midsize 10,634 $13,912 29.5%
9 City-Midsize 333 $18,289 50.0%
10 City-Large 857 $19,045 53.8%
11 City-Large 1,015 $25,752 61.5%
12 City-Large 2,778 $10,741 36.3%
13 City-Large 10,493 $13,776 51.4%
14 City-Midsize 343 $15,025 38.0%
15 City-Small 878 $3,031 42.6%
16 City-Large 67 $9,355 72.7%
17 City-Midsize 79 $33,243 33.3%
18 City-Large 97
19 City-Midsize 143 $15,686 28.6%
20 City-Midsize 328
21 City-Midsize 223
22 City-Large

Frequently Asked Questions

What urban Kansas college offers the best value for technical training?

Manhattan Area Technical College provides strong value with a $11,752 net price and 66.1% graduation rate. Students earn a median salary of $51,864 after completion, making it an attractive option for technical career preparation in Kansas's aerospace-focused economy with manageable debt levels.

How do Kansas urban colleges support the state's aerospace industry?

Kansas State University and Wichita State University directly serve aerospace employers like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron. With enrollment of 14,835 and 10,493 respectively, these institutions produce graduates earning $57,262 and $51,532, filling critical technical and engineering roles statewide.

Is community college free in Kansas urban areas?

The Kansas Promise Act covers community college tuition, making institutions like Johnson County Community College and Kansas City Kansas Community College highly affordable. Net prices of $13,912 and $15,255 primarily reflect living expenses rather than tuition costs for eligible students.

Does University of Kansas justify its $17,365 cost?

With 19,857 students and graduates earning $61,945 median salaries, University of Kansas provides strong return on investment. The 68.8% graduation rate and 87.8% acceptance rate create accessible pathways to Kansas's highest-earning career outcomes among urban institutions.

Where can students find the highest graduation rates in Kansas cities?

WellSpring School of Allied Health in Lawrence achieves 100% graduation with 36 students, though graduates earn $29,839. For larger programs, Kansas State University leads with 70.5% graduation rate among 14,835 students, balancing scale with completion success effectively.

What makes Manhattan Christian College worth its $23,608 cost?

Manhattan Christian College maintains selectivity with 47.96% acceptance rate and serves 132 students with personalized attention. The 54.8% graduation rate and $48,860 median earnings reflect the specialized nature of faith-based education in Kansas's urban college market.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.