10 Cheapest and Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas

Key Takeaways

• Kansas offers some of the lowest public college tuition rates in the U.S., averaging $8,500–$9,500 annually for in-state students.
• Financial aid programs like the Kansas Comprehensive Grant and Kansas Career Work-Study can significantly reduce costs.
• Top sectors in Kansas, agriculture, aviation, energy, and healthcare, are closely tied to college programs, improving job placement.
• Living expenses across Kansas are well below the national average, making total college costs more manageable.
• From large research universities to private Christian colleges, Kansas schools provide accessible pathways for students of all backgrounds.

Kansas might be your ideal destination if you’re looking for a high-value college education in the heart of the U.S. With a low cost of living, strong sense of community, and respected public universities, the state offers quality academics at a price that won’t leave you in major debt. Whether you’re in a rural town or a city like Wichita or Kansas City, you’ll find affordable colleges that match your goals. In-state tuition averages well below the national norm, and programs like the Kansas Comprehensive Grant and Kansas Career Work-Study make college even more accessible. Even private colleges here tend to be more affordable than in other states.

What sets Kansas apart is how closely its colleges align with key industries. Many schools focus on agriculture, aviation, energy, engineering, and healthcare: fields tied directly to major local employers like Koch Industries and Spirit AeroSystems. You’ll also benefit from smaller class sizes, strong student support, and hands-on learning that prepares you for real-world jobs right after graduation.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas

Kansas’s higher education system offers outstanding value, particularly for in-state students. The following colleges represent the 10 cheapest and most affordable options in the state, ranked by in-state tuition from lowest to highest. 

Fort Hays State University

Located in western Kansas, Fort Hays State University is known for offering some of the lowest tuition rates in the state while maintaining high-quality programs and strong student support. Its growing online division also serves thousands of students across the U.S.

Main Courses

Fort Hays State offers standout programs in education, business administration, nursing, computer science, and liberal arts. The university is particularly known for its teacher preparation programs and flexible online degrees.

Pros

• One of the most affordable four-year universities in the Midwest
• Highly rated online learning options
• Diverse student body with a global reach
• Strong academic advising and tutoring support

Cons

• Located in a rural area with limited local entertainment
• Fewer graduate and research opportunities compared to larger state schools
• Some majors may have fewer specialized course offerings

Average Annual In-State Tuition: $5,130

Emporia State University

Situated in south-central Kansas, Emporia State University is a comprehensive public institution known for its strength in education and library science programs.

Main Courses

Top programs include elementary and secondary education, library and information management, psychology, and business. The school has a long-standing reputation as a leader in training future educators.

Pros

• Highly regarded education programs
• Compact, walkable campus in a welcoming small town
• Low in-state tuition and generous financial aid
• Personalized academic support

Cons

• Limited national name recognition
• Fewer technical or STEM-focused degree options
• Modest research infrastructure

Average Annual In-State Tuition: $6,750

Pittsburg State University

Located in southeast Kansas, Pittsburg State University offers a practical, career-focused education with standout programs in technology and business.

Main Courses

Programs in construction management, automotive technology, business, education, and applied sciences are especially strong. PSU also offers a unique Kansas Technology Center for hands-on learning.

Pros

• Excellent job placement, particularly in technical fields
• State-of-the-art facilities for engineering and technology
• Affordable cost for a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programs
• Close-knit campus culture

Cons

• Smaller campus in a rural town
• Less diversity in graduate program offerings
• Limited nightlife or major city amenities

Average Annual In-State Tuition: $7,980

Washburn University

Located in the state capital of Topeka, Washburn University is a public institution that blends liberal arts education with strong professional programs. It offers excellent value for students pursuing careers in law, nursing, and business.

Main Courses

Washburn is well known for its programs in nursing, law, business, criminal justice, and liberal arts. The Washburn University School of Law is particularly respected within the region.

Pros

• Affordable tuition for a capital-city university
• Strong law school and business programs
• Accessible commuter campus with flexible scheduling
• Personalized instruction with low student-to-faculty ratios

Cons

• Smaller campus size compared to research universities
• Limited on-campus housing and social life
• Fewer graduate research opportunities

Average Annual In-State Tuition: $8,300

Wichita State University

Wichita State University is Kansas’s urban public research university, located in the state’s largest city. Known for its engineering, business, and aviation programs, WSU has strong industry partnerships and career pathways.

Main Courses

WSU offers top-tier programs in aerospace engineering, business, health sciences, computer science, and fine arts. It also has a nationally recognized innovation campus focused on entrepreneurship and applied learning.

Pros

• Strong connections to Wichita’s aviation and manufacturing industries
• Affordable tuition for a research-intensive institution
• Vibrant urban setting with diverse internship opportunities
• Wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs

Cons

• Commuter campus atmosphere for many students
• Limited campus housing compared to other large universities
• Selective admissions for some programs

Average Annual In-State Tuition: $8,920

Kansas State University

Based in Manhattan, Kansas, Kansas State University is a leading land-grant research university with a strong focus on agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine.

Main Courses

Signature programs include agriculture, biological sciences, mechanical engineering, veterinary medicine, and business. K-State is nationally recognized for its College of Agriculture and College of Engineering.

Pros

• Excellent research facilities and funding opportunities
• Beautiful campus with strong school spirit and athletics
• Extensive alumni network and employer connections
• Strong academic reputation in STEM and agriculture

Cons

• Higher tuition than other regional Kansas universities
• Large class sizes in lower-division courses
• Competitive admissions in high-demand majors

Average Annual In-State Tuition: $10,300

University of Kansas

The University of Kansas (KU) is the state’s flagship public research university, located in the vibrant college town of Lawrence. With a wide array of nationally ranked programs, KU combines academic excellence with strong financial aid support.

Main Courses

KU offers standout programs in medicine, law, business, education, engineering, and liberal arts. Its School of Medicine and School of Law are especially well-regarded.

Pros

• Nationally ranked programs and research opportunities
• Lively campus life with Division I athletics
• Strong alumni network across the Midwest
• Comprehensive academic and career services

Cons

• Highest in-state tuition among Kansas public colleges
• The large campus may feel overwhelming for some students
• More competitive admissions for popular programs

Average Annual In-State Tuition: $11,400

Manhattan Christian College

Located adjacent to Kansas State University in Manhattan, Manhattan Christian College is a small private institution focused on biblical studies and ministry preparation within a close-knit Christian community.

Main Courses

The college specializes in programs in biblical studies, ministry, Christian leadership, education, and counseling.

Pros

• Faith-based education with small class sizes
• Supportive campus environment
• Affordable private college tuition
• Opportunities for dual enrollment with nearby K-State

Cons

• Very limited program offerings
• Small student population
• Minimal secular career pathways

Average Annual In-State Tuition: $16,260

Donnelly College

Donnelly College is a small, private Catholic institution in Kansas City focused on providing affordable liberal arts and career-focused education to a diverse student body.

Main Courses

Key programs include liberal arts, information technology, business, and human services, with associate and bachelor’s degree options.

Pros

• Small classes and individualized attention
• Strong student support services
• Diverse and inclusive campus community
• Emphasis on career readiness

Cons

• Higher tuition compared to public colleges
• Smaller campus with fewer extracurricular options
• Limited academic program variety

Average Annual In-State Tuition: $17,260

Barclay College

Barclay College is a private Christian college located in Haviland. With a focus on ministry, missions, and biblical education, Barclay offers a deeply spiritual learning environment in a rural Kansas setting.

Main Courses

Notable programs include biblical studies, ministry, Christian education, youth ministry, and intercultural studies.

Pros

• Strong Christian foundation and mission-driven education
• Personalized attention and mentorship
• Financial aid and ministry scholarships are available
• Peaceful rural campus setting

Cons

• The highest tuition among the colleges listed
• Very limited program diversity
• Remote location with few off-campus resources

Average Annual In-State Tuition: $19,000

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Most Affordable Kansas Colleges

To enroll in one of Kansas’s most affordable colleges, you must complete several key steps to ensure admission and financial aid access. Most schools prioritize Kansas residents for in-state tuition, which can reduce costs by over 60%. Each institution may have slightly different procedures, but the requirements tend to follow a familiar path.

Start by submitting an official application through either the school’s own portal or the Common Application. You’ll typically need to include personal details, academic history, and sometimes a short personal statement or essay.

Next, your high school transcripts or GED scores will be required. These help schools determine both your eligibility for admission and for merit-based scholarships. You may also need to submit standardized test scores, such as the ACT or SAT. Many Kansas colleges still consider these scores when awarding academic scholarships.

Proving Kansas residency is especially important. In-state tuition is significantly more affordable, and residency can be verified through documents like a Kansas driver’s license, voter registration, or tax returns. If you’re applying for financial aid, make sure to complete the FAFSA on time to access both federal and Kansas-specific grants, like the Kansas Comprehensive Grant or Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant.

How Do Kansas College Costs Compare to National Averages

Compared to the national average, Kansas stands out as one of the most affordable states for higher education. Public colleges in Kansas typically charge in-state students between $8,500 and $9,500 per year, while the national average for public college tuition is around $10,700. This means you could save over $2,000 annually just by attending school in Kansas.

But the savings go beyond tuition. Living expenses such as housing, transportation, and food are also significantly lower in Kansas. Housing costs are roughly 25% to 40% lower than in many coastal states. Several schools also offer reduced textbook fees or book rental programs to cut costs further.

Add in generous state-level financial aid programs, on-campus work-study opportunities, and career-aligned internships, and the total cost of attending college in Kansas can be thousands less than in more expensive states. It’s not just a cheaper option; it’s a high-value investment in your education.

What Are the Tuition Fees for International Students at Affordable Kansas Colleges

International students pay more than Kansas residents, but the total cost is still very competitive. Tuition for international students at Kansas’s public universities typically ranges from $18,000 to $25,000 per year. While that may sound high, it’s still significantly lower than similar institutions in states like California, New York, or Massachusetts.

In addition to tuition, international students should plan for health insurance, visa processing fees, and other administrative costs, which can total an additional $2,000 per year. However, Kansas’s lower living expenses help offset these costs. Rent, food, and transportation in cities like Wichita or Manhattan are often far more affordable than in major global metros.

Students attending rural colleges can save even more, thanks to lower housing and food costs. Part-time work opportunities are also available on campus, and international students are often able to find jobs in research labs, student services, or dining facilities.

How Does University of the People Compare with Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas

University of the People (UoPeople) is a fully online, tuition-free university that offers a very different path from Kansas’s in-state colleges. While students don’t pay tuition, they are responsible for assessment fees, $160 per undergraduate course or $450 for MBA and MSIT courses. Depending on the program, these fees can total between $2,400 and $4,800 over the course of a degree.

In comparison, after factoring in financial aid, some Kansas colleges can cost a similar amount or even less for in-state residents. Kansas schools also offer benefits that UoPeople cannot, such as in-person support services, hands-on learning opportunities, campus communities, and local employer connections in sectors like agriculture, aviation, and healthcare.

If you’re looking for maximum flexibility and don’t require campus experiences, UoPeople is a great option. But if you want access to state-funded scholarships, internships, or the support of a traditional academic environment, Kansas’s affordable colleges may offer a better long-term value for in-state students.

Ready to Choose the Most Affordable College?

Finding the right affordable college in Kansas comes down to balancing cost, program quality, and career opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a public university with strong engineering programs or a private Christian college with small class sizes, Kansas offers a range of options to meet your needs without overwhelming debt.

Before choosing, make sure to review financial aid offers, visit campuses if possible, and speak with admissions and financial aid counselors. Think about how each school aligns with your career goals and lifestyle. Consider not just the sticker price, but the full picture: tuition, living expenses, scholarship opportunities, and job prospects after graduation.

With the right research, you can find a high-quality, low-cost college experience in Kansas that sets you up for success both academically and financially.

FAQs

What is the average tuition at Kansas’s most affordable colleges?

In-state tuition at Kansas’s most affordable colleges typically ranges from $5,000 to $11,000 per year, depending on the institution and program.

What financial aid programs are available at Kansas colleges?

Kansas offers a range of aid options, including the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant, and institutional scholarships based on merit or need.

What is the average student debt at Kansas colleges?

Average student loan debt for Kansas graduates in public colleges is approximately $25,000, below the national average.

Do Kansas colleges offer online degree programs?

Yes, many Kansas public universities and community colleges offer online programs, particularly in business, education, and healthcare.

What housing costs should students expect at Kansas colleges?

On-campus housing typically ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 per year. Off-campus options may be more affordable, especially in rural areas.

Which Kansas college offers the most generous financial aid?

Fort Hays State University and Emporia State University are known for offering substantial institutional aid, especially for in-state students.