2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Kansas

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

Sort by:

View as:

Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	University of Kansas	22085	93.48	1,050 – 1,310	19205	51217	#1 2026 Best Colleges 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 87% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At the University of Kansas, there is a 86% first year retention rate and 53% of......Read more Undergraduates 22,085 Acceptance Rate 93.5% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $19,205 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,217
2	Kansas State University	15650	81.69	1,050 – 1,280	20527	49330	#2 2026 Best Colleges 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 89% of students attending Kansas State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 15,650 Acceptance Rate 81.7% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $20,527 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,330
3	Benedictine College	2403	98.12	1,130 – 1,360	28629	45000	#3 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,403 Acceptance Rate 98.1% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $28,629 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,000
4	Pittsburg State University	4472	89.42	930 – 1,180	15111	43793	#4 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KS Found in Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University accepted 89% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. Approximately 49% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Undergraduates 4,472 Acceptance Rate 89.4% SAT Score 930 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $15,111 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,793
5	Emporia State University	2396	97.71	970 – 1,180	16094	41389	#5 2026 Best Colleges 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 84% of students attending Emporia State University currently receive institutional grant aid. At Emporia State University, there is a 77% first year......Read more Undergraduates 2,396 Acceptance Rate 97.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $16,094 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,389
6	Newman University	2529	73.98	930 – 1,210	21050	47051	#6 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Newman University Wichita, KS Found in Wichita, Newman University’s acceptance rate is 74%. They request $25 for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. Approximately 95% of students at Newman University will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 2,529 Acceptance Rate 74.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $21,050 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,051
7	Fort Hays State University	10172	90.26	970 – 1,180	13186	44428	#7 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Fort Hays State University Hays, KS Found in Hays, Fort Hays State University accepts 90% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in $30 to apply. About 82% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 10,172 Acceptance Rate 90.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,186 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,428
8	Washburn University	5331	95.51	1,010 – 1,180	11488	42881	#8 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Washburn University Topeka, KS Based in Topeka, Washburn University’s acceptance rate is 96% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 86% of students at Washburn University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 5,331 Acceptance Rate 95.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $11,488 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,881
9	McPherson College	876	76.76	970 – 1,180	27110	41446	#9 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas McPherson College McPherson, KS Found in McPherson, McPherson College’s acceptance rate is 77%. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending McPherson College currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 876 Acceptance Rate 76.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $27,110 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,446
10	Hesston College	373	0	--	22723	46707	#10 2026 Best Colleges 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 78% first year retention rate, 71% of students earn their degree within four years. A NJCAA Division II school, the Larks wear red and gold. Undergraduates 373 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $22,723 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,707
11	Wichita State University	13313	93.95	930 – 1,220	14228	44043	#11 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Wichita State University Wichita, KS Found in Wichita, Wichita State University’s acceptance rate is 94%. They request $40 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 80% of students attending Wichita State University currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 69% and around 31% of students will graduate within four......Read more Undergraduates 13,313 Acceptance Rate 94.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $14,228 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,043
12	MidAmerica Nazarene University	1204	78.8	940 – 1,140	32081	57433	#12 2026 Best Colleges 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 $21,399 on average. The first year retention rate is 70%....Read more Undergraduates 1,204 Acceptance Rate 78.8% SAT Score 940 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $32,081 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,433
13	Friends University	1548	55.22	870 – 1,280	28889	42960	#13 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Friends University Wichita, KS Located in Wichita, Friends University’s acceptance rate is 55%. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 99% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 1,548 Acceptance Rate 55.2% SAT Score 870 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $28,889 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,960
14	Baker University	1530	94.19	760 – 1,080	26211	54747	#14 2026 Best Colleges 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 $20 for graduate applications. About 100% of students attending Baker University will receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention......Read more Undergraduates 1,530 Acceptance Rate 94.2% SAT Score 760 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $26,211 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,747
15	University of Saint Mary	1027	86.63	920 – 1,160	23020	54827	#15 2026 Best Colleges 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 99% of students attending the University of Saint Mary will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 1,027 Acceptance Rate 86.6% SAT Score 920 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $23,020 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,827
16	Manhattan Christian College	160	100	970 – 1,180	24213	40023	#16 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Manhattan Christian College Manhattan, KS Based in Manhattan, Manhattan Christian College accepts 100% of applicants and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 94% of students attending Manhattan Christian College currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 160 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $24,213 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,023
17	Tabor College	539	64.58	960 – 1,140	20681	42896	#17 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Tabor College Hillsboro, KS Based in Hillsboro, Tabor College’s acceptance rate is 65% and requests $50 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 40% of students will graduate within four years. Three common majors......Read more Undergraduates 539 Acceptance Rate 64.6% SAT Score 960 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $20,681 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,896
18	Southwestern College	938	75.55	930 – 1,120	29488	48034	#18 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Southwestern College Winfield, KS Based in Winfield, Southwestern College accepted 76% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 938 Acceptance Rate 75.6% SAT Score 930 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $29,488 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,034
19	Kansas Wesleyan University	962	71.9	1,010 – 1,170	22930	44811	#19 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Kansas Wesleyan University Salina, KS Based in Salina, Kansas Wesleyan University’s acceptance rate is 72% and requires $20 for undergraduate applications and $30 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 962 Acceptance Rate 71.9% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $22,930 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,811
20	Bethel College-North Newton	509	93.5	980 – 1,160	30406	40808	#20 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 509 Acceptance Rate 93.5% SAT Score 980 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $30,406 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,808
21	Sterling College	670	48.17	970 – 1,170	23531	40722	#21 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Sterling College Sterling, KS Located in Sterling, Sterling College accepted 48% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay unknown 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 27%......Read more Undergraduates 670 Acceptance Rate 48.2% SAT Score 970 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $23,531 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,722
22	Ottawa University-Ottawa	870	82.96	870 – 1,100	28185	49139	#22 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Ottawa University-Ottawa Ottawa, KS Located in Ottawa, Ottawa University-Ottawa’s acceptance rate is 83%. Undergraduates have to pay $25 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 58% and 22% of students will earn their degree in......Read more Undergraduates 870 Acceptance Rate 83.0% SAT Score 870 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $28,185 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,139
23	Barclay College	170	50.98	920 – 1,150	29692	35820	#23 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Barclay College Haviland, KS Located in Haviland, Barclay College accepted 51% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 58% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 170 Acceptance Rate 51.0% SAT Score 920 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $29,692 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,820
24	Bethany College	611	56	860 – 1,090	28192	40805	#24 2026 Best Colleges 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 Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other. Undergraduates 611 Acceptance Rate 56.0% SAT Score 860 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $28,192 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,805
25	Central Christian College of Kansas	454	52.71	920 – 1,120	12143	37685	#25 2026 Best Colleges in Kansas Central Christian College of Kansas McPherson, KS Based in McPherson, Central Christian College of Kansas accepts 53% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 86% of students attending Central Christian College of Kansas will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 454 Acceptance Rate 52.7% SAT Score 920 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $12,143 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $37,685