Best Colleges in Kansas – 2024

Academic Highlights: The University of Kansas offers students exceptional academic breadth with 190+ undergraduate majors across 14 schools, combining large, research university resources with surprising accessibility. KU’s 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports a learning environment where 41% of classes maintain fewer than 20 students, far outpacing the 16% that exceed 50. Undergraduate research thrives through the Center for Undergraduate Research, while global engagement shines with students participating in 165+ study abroad programs across 70 countries.

Professional Outcomes: KU graduates achieve strong career momentum, with 54% employed full-time and 33% pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduation. The university serves as both Kansas’s premier educator and top employer, with many graduates contributing to KU Medical Center, Hallmark Cards, and other regional leaders, earning an average salary of $60,000. While hundreds build careers in the Lawrence/Kansas City area, alumni networks flourish in major hubs like Chicago, Denver, and Dallas, demonstrating KU’s dual impact as both a state anchor and national talent source.

Academic Highlights: Kansas State University offers 250+ majors, minors, and certificates across a broad range of disciplines, combining the breadth of a large public university with a surprisingly intimate classroom experience—46% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, and the student-to-faculty ratio stands at 18:1. Through the Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry, Wildcats can dive into mentored projects, present at symposia, and secure grants to fund their work, ensuring hands-on learning complements rigorous academics.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 96% of K-State alumni are employed or enrolled in further education. Top employers for recent grads include industry leaders like Burns & McDonnell, Cargill, Garmin, and Koch Industries, with 30% earning starting salaries above $70,000. For those pursuing advanced degrees, popular destinations include K-State itself, the University of Kansas, and the University of Missouri, reflecting the university’s strong regional and professional networks.

Academic Highlights: Wichita State University stands at the forefront of applied learning, offering students 250+ academic programs that integrate hands-on experience and research into every degree. With a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio and access to 30+ specialized research centers, WSU creates unparalleled opportunities for undergraduate engagement with industry partners. This innovative model blends classroom theory with real-world application.

Professional Outcomes: WSU graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with 80% securing positions at leading employers like Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and Ascension Healthcare, earning an average starting salary of $56,990. Many alumni contribute to Wichita’s economy, while others pursue advanced degrees at institutions including the University of Kansas. These results demonstrate how WSU’s industry-connected education produces workforce-ready professionals who immediately strengthen Kansas’s key economic sectors.

Academic Highlights: Baker University delivers personalized education through its 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and more than 50 academic programs spanning four distinct schools. Students enhance their learning through global study opportunities across six continents, with programs available in over 20 countries from Australia to Hungary. This combination of intimate classroom experiences and international perspectives prepares graduates to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Professional Outcomes: Baker alumni establish strong roots in the region, with most building their careers in the Kansas City metropolitan area. They find success at leading employers such as the University of Kansas Health System, T-Mobile, and Honeywell, while one-quarter continue their education at graduate or professional schools. The innovative BOOK Program takes internships beyond basic experience, challenging students to conduct in-depth organizational analyses and present their findings, giving them distinctive professional advantages upon graduation.

Academic Highlights: Benedictine College offers a well-rounded liberal arts education with 50 majors, supported by a student-faculty ratio of 15:1 that fosters close mentorship and personalized learning. The college’s global perspective is enriched by its study abroad programs, including a dedicated campus in Florence, Italy, and opportunities in 50 additional countries. This vibrant academic community attracts students from 48 states and 18 countries, creating a diverse and intellectually engaging campus environment rooted in Benedictine values.

Professional Outcomes: Benedictine graduates launch successful careers with prominent employers such as FOCUS Catholic, Burns & McDonnell, and Cerner Corporation, as well as serving in institutions like the U.S. Army. The majority of alumni establish themselves in the Kansas City metropolitan area, benefiting from the college’s strong regional network and reputation for developing principled, skilled professionals ready to make meaningful contributions in their fields.