2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Hesston College	94	88.32	970 – 1,150	22691	46707	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Hesston College Hesston, KS Hesston College offers up to Bachelor's degrees, with many students studying Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. With a high 94% first year retention rate, 75% of students earn their degree within four years. A NJCAA Division II school, the Larks wear red and gold. First Year Retention Rate 94 % Acceptance Rate 88.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $22,691 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,707
2	University of Kansas	86	93.48	1,050 – 1,310	18322	51217	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas University of Kansas Lawrence, KS Located in Lawrence, the University of Kansas accepts 93% of applicants. They charge $40 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. Approximately 85% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At the University of Kansas, there is a 86% first year retention rate and 50% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 93.5% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $18,322 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,217
3	Kansas State University	85.59	81.99	1,050 – 1,280	18745	49330	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Kansas State University Manhattan, KS Located in Manhattan, Kansas State University accepted 82% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $40 for undergraduate applications. About 88% of students attending Kansas State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 1.8% Acceptance Rate 82.0% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $18,745 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,330
4	Benedictine College	79.3	76.45	1,110 – 1,360	28451	45000	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Benedictine College Atchison, KS Benedictine College’s core values are built into the four “pillars” of the school which are known as Catholic, Benedictine, Liberal Arts, and Residential. The college’s motto is “Forward. Always Forward.” Its campus is located along the bends of the Missouri River....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % Acceptance Rate 76.5% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $28,451 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,000
5	Fort Hays State University	78	91.77	940 – 1,340	13774	44428	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Fort Hays State University Hays, KS Found in Hays, Fort Hays State University accepts 92% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in $30 to apply. About 78% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % Acceptance Rate 91.8% SAT Score 940 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $13,774 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,428
6	Emporia State University	76.9	97.71	970 – 1,180	15441	41389	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Emporia State University Emporia, KS Based in Emporia, Emporia State University accepts 98% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 83% of students attending Emporia State University currently receive institutional grant aid. At Emporia State University, there is a 76% first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 12.5% Acceptance Rate 97.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $15,441 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,389
7	Manhattan Christian College	75	100	1,040 – 1,180	23523	40023	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Manhattan Christian College Manhattan, KS Based in Manhattan, Manhattan Christian College accepts 100% of applicants and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 93% of students attending Manhattan Christian College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $23,523 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,023
8	Newman University	72.3	47.61	970 – 1,210	19315	47051	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Newman University Wichita, KS Found in Wichita, Newman University’s acceptance rate is 48%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. Approximately 94% of students at Newman University will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % Acceptance Rate 47.6% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $19,315 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,051
9	Wichita State University	72.3	72.11	970 – 1,220	14184	44043	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Wichita State University Wichita, KS Found in Wichita, Wichita State University’s acceptance rate is 72%. They request $40 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 70% of students attending Wichita State University currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 72% and around 25% of students will graduate within four......Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 4.8% Acceptance Rate 72.1% SAT Score 970 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $14,184 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,043
10	MidAmerica Nazarene University	71	78.8	940 – 1,140	29992	57433	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas MidAmerica Nazarene University Olathe, KS Located in Olathe, MidAmerica Nazarene University accepts 79% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 99% of students attending MidAmerica Nazarene University currently receive grant aid from the school. They receive $20,496 on average. The first year retention rate is 71%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 12.7% Acceptance Rate 78.8% SAT Score 940 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $29,992 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,433
11	Friends University	69	60.46	940 – 1,120	22579	42960	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Friends University Wichita, KS Located in Wichita, Friends University’s acceptance rate is 60%. Undergraduates have to pay $50 to apply. Approximately 99% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 11.3% Acceptance Rate 60.5% SAT Score 940 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $22,579 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,960
12	Washburn University	68	100	890 – 1,140	12894	42881	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Washburn University Topeka, KS Based in Topeka, Washburn University’s acceptance rate is 100% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 70% of students at Washburn University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 890 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $12,894 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,881
13	Baker University	66	94.18	970 – 1,110	23410	54747	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Baker University Baldwin City, KS Found in Baldwin City, Baker University accepted 94% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students attending Baker University will receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 66% and 49% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % 10.8% Acceptance Rate 94.2% SAT Score 970 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $23,410 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,747
14	University of Saint Mary	65.3	86.63	920 – 1,170	23611	54827	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas University of Saint Mary Leavenworth, KS Based in Leavenworth, the University of Saint Mary accepts 87% of applicants. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending the University of Saint Mary will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 1.6% Acceptance Rate 86.6% SAT Score 920 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $23,611 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,827
15	Barclay College	65	54.49	930 – 1,110	25548	35820	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Barclay College Haviland, KS Located in Haviland, Barclay College accepted 54% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $15 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % Acceptance Rate 54.5% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $25,548 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,820
16	Bethel College-North Newton	64.5	93.5	880 – 1,190	24879	40808	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Bethel College-North Newton North Newton, KS Found in North Newton, Bethel College-North Newton accepts 94% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 6.5% Acceptance Rate 93.5% SAT Score 880 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $24,879 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,808
17	Central Christian College of Kansas	64	95.7	920 – 1,120	12217	37685	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Central Christian College of Kansas McPherson, KS Based in McPherson, Central Christian College of Kansas accepts 96% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 95% of students attending Central Christian College of Kansas will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 64 % Acceptance Rate 95.7% SAT Score 920 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $12,217 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,685
18	Donnelly College	64	95.7	--	14923	34791	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Donnelly College Kansas City, KS Located in Kansas City, Donnelly College accepted 96% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 90% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At Donnelly College, there is a 64% first year retention rate and around......Read more First Year Retention Rate 64 % Acceptance Rate 95.7% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,923 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,791
19	Kansas Wesleyan University	59.83	67.02	930 – 1,140	23419	44811	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Kansas Wesleyan University Salina, KS Based in Salina, Kansas Wesleyan University’s acceptance rate is 67% and requires $200 for undergraduate applications and $30 for graduate applications. Approximately 97% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 60 % Acceptance Rate 67.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $23,419 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,811
20	Bethany College	56	78.6	860 – 1,090	29571	40805	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Bethany College Lindsborg, KS One of the oldest colleges in the state, Bethany College opened in 1881. 100% of students receive institutional grant aid and, as a NAIA Division II school, there are athletic scholarships available. Many choose to pursue degrees in Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General. First Year Retention Rate 56 % Acceptance Rate 78.6% SAT Score 860 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $29,571 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,805
21	Southwestern College	55	74.43	900 – 1,110	27337	48034	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Southwestern College Winfield, KS Based in Winfield, Southwestern College accepted 74% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 55 % 5.8% Acceptance Rate 74.4% SAT Score 900 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $27,337 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,034
22	Tabor College	53	64.58	960 – 1,140	19998	42896	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Tabor College Hillsboro, KS Based in Hillsboro, Tabor College’s acceptance rate is 65% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students at Tabor College will receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 53% and around 42% of students will graduate within four years. Three common......Read more First Year Retention Rate 53 % 32.1% Acceptance Rate 64.6% SAT Score 960 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $19,998 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,896
23	Sterling College	50	89.16	1,000 – 1,180	22996	40722	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Sterling College Sterling, KS Located in Sterling, Sterling College accepted 89% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 100% of students at Sterling College will receive institutional grant aid. At Sterling College, there is a 50% first year retention rate and around 36% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 50 % 15.3% Acceptance Rate 89.2% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $22,996 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,722
24	Ottawa University-Ottawa	25	80.03	860 – 1,100	28126	49139	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Ottawa University-Ottawa Ottawa, KS Located in Ottawa, Ottawa University-Ottawa’s acceptance rate is 80%. Undergraduates have to pay $50 to apply. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s first year retention rate is 25% and 26% of students will earn their degree in......Read more First Year Retention Rate 25 % Acceptance Rate 80.0% SAT Score 860 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $28,126 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,139
25	Haskell Indian Nations University	0	88.32	850 – 1,010	4537	28425	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Haskell Indian Nations University Lawrence, KS First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 88.3% SAT Score 850 – 1,010 Avg. Net Price $4,537 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $28,425
26	Kansas Christian College	0	98.83	--	15996	63721	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Kansas Christian College Overland Park, KS First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 98.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $15,996 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
27	McPherson College	0	76.76	970 – 1,160	25490	41446	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas McPherson College McPherson, KS First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 76.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $25,490 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,446
28	Pittsburg State University	0	87.27	930 – 1,180	19357	43793	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KS First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 87.3% SAT Score 930 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $19,357 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,793
29	Rasmussen University-Kansas	0	100	--	17320	41436	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Kansas Rasmussen University-Kansas Topeka, KS First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $17,320 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,436