Best Universities in Kansas

By | October 1, 2024

1. University of Kansas (KU)

Overview of University of Kansas

Location: Lawrence, Kansas
Founded in 1865, the University of Kansas (KU) is a public research university and the flagship institution of Kansas. It is known for its strong programs in law, pharmacy, and education. The university’s School of Medicine and School of Engineering are highly regarded, and KU is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. KU’s basketball program is also nationally recognized, boasting numerous NCAA championships.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #121 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 28,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 400 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Average SAT Score: 1120-1350

Extracurricular Activities

  • Kansas Jayhawks Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • KU Student Senate
  • The University Daily Kansan (student newspaper)
  • KU Marching Band
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Paul Rudd – Actor
  2. Wilt Chamberlain – NBA Hall of Famer
  3. Gale Sayers – NFL Hall of Famer
  4. Bob Dole – Former U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate
  5. Bill James – Baseball writer and statistician

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Cerner Corporation
  2. Garmin International
  3. Sprint (now T-Mobile)
  4. University of Kansas Health System
  5. Koch Industries

2. Kansas State University (K-State)

Overview of Kansas State University

Location: Manhattan, Kansas
Founded in 1863 as the first land-grant institution under the Morrill Act, Kansas State University is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. K-State is a leader in agricultural research and has one of the top veterinary medicine programs in the country. The university is committed to student success and is highly regarded for its focus on undergraduate teaching.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #166 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 21,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 250 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Average SAT Score: 1060-1320

Extracurricular Activities

  • K-State Wildcats Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Student Governing Association
  • Agriculture Clubs and Organizations
  • Marching Band
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Sam Brownback – Former Governor of Kansas and U.S. Senator
  2. Eric Stonestreet – Emmy Award-winning actor
  3. Earl Woods – Father of Tiger Woods
  4. Herbert Dimond – Inventor of the snooze alarm
  5. Bill Snyder – Legendary K-State football coach

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Cargill
  2. Koch Industries
  3. Garmin International
  4. Cerner Corporation
  5. Kansas State University

3. Wichita State University (WSU)

Overview of Wichita State University

Location: Wichita, Kansas
Wichita State University (WSU), established in 1895, is a public research university known for its strong programs in aerospace engineering, business, and health professions. WSU’s proximity to major aviation companies makes it a hub for aerospace research and innovation. Its Barton School of Business and College of Engineering are particularly well-regarded. WSU also emphasizes experiential learning and provides numerous internship opportunities.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 16,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 225 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • Average SAT Score: 1030-1280

Extracurricular Activities

  • WSU Shockers Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Student Government Association
  • Innovation Campus Research Projects
  • Greek Life
  • Engineering Design Competitions

Famous Alumni

  1. Koch Brothers – Businessmen and philanthropists
  2. Brian Moorman – Former NFL punter
  3. Bill Parcells – NFL coach
  4. Jim Ryun – Olympian and former U.S. Congressman
  5. Jean Schodorf – Kansas State Senator

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Spirit AeroSystems
  2. Textron Aviation
  3. Boeing
  4. Cessna Aircraft Company
  5. Koch Industries

4. Benedictine College

Overview of Benedictine College

Location: Atchison, Kansas
Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a private Catholic liberal arts college. It is known for its emphasis on faith-based education, strong community, and rigorous academics. Benedictine offers a variety of programs with a particular strength in theology, business, and education. The college places a strong emphasis on service and leadership development.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #13 Regional Colleges Midwest
  • Number of Students: Approximately 2,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 97%
  • Average SAT Score: 1080-1280

Extracurricular Activities

  • Benedictine Ravens Athletics (NAIA)
  • Student Government
  • Knights of Columbus
  • Theology and Service Clubs
  • Music and Choir Groups

Famous Alumni

  1. Joseph J. Tyson – Bishop of Yakima, Washington
  2. Michael K. Clifford – Education entrepreneur
  3. Robert T. Reilly – Nebraska State Senator
  4. James O’Connell – Founder of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students)
  5. R. Lee Ermey – Actor and retired U.S. Marine

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Cerner Corporation
  2. U.S. Catholic Schools
  3. Koch Industries
  4. Black & Veatch
  5. Benedictine College

5. Fort Hays State University (FHSU)

Overview of Fort Hays State University

Location: Hays, Kansas
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) was established in 1902 as a public university and is known for its affordability and online education programs. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, with particular strengths in business, nursing, and education. FHSU is one of the leading universities for distance learning, with its Virtual College serving thousands of students globally.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #107 Regional Universities Midwest
  • Number of Students: Approximately 15,000 (including online)
  • Degrees Offered: Over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Average SAT Score: 960-1200

Extracurricular Activities

  • FHSU Tigers Athletics (NCAA Division II)
  • Student Government Association
  • Honors Program
  • Greek Life
  • Nursing and Health Sciences Clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Mitch Holthus – Kansas City Chiefs broadcaster
  2. John E. Arnold – Former U.S. Senator
  3. David A. Booth – Co-founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors
  4. Jana Mackey – Women’s rights activist
  5. Bill Snyder – Former Kansas State University football coach

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Cerner Corporation
  2. Kansas Department of Education
  3. Koch Industries
  4. Hays Medical Center
  5. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas

6. Emporia State University

Overview of Emporia State University

Location: Emporia, Kansas
Founded in 1863, Emporia State University (ESU) is a public university known for its teacher education programs and business school. It has a strong tradition in education, with one of the highest teacher placement rates in the state. The School of Library and Information Management is one of the most respected in the country. ESU also offers a broad range of programs in the arts, sciences, and business.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #90 Regional Universities Midwest
  • Number of Students: Approximately 6,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Average SAT Score: 990-1220

Extracurricular Activities

  • ESU Hornets Athletics (NCAA Division II)
  • Student Government Association
  • Teachers College Student Council
  • Theatre and Performing Arts Groups
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. William Allen White – Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
  2. Clarence D. Clark – Former U.S. Senator
  3. Chris Bober – Former NFL player
  4. Jerry Kill – College football coach
  5. Elvira Taylor – Educator and author

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Kansas Department of Education
  2. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
  3. State of Kansas
  4. Koch Industries
  5. Emporia Public Schools

7. Washburn University

Overview of Washburn University

Location: Topeka, Kansas
Washburn University, established in 1865, is a public university known for its School of Law and strong programs in business, nursing, and public administration. The Washburn School of Law is highly regarded in the Midwest, and the university provides a practical, hands-on education across its various disciplines. Its business programs also emphasize leadership and entrepreneurship.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #35 Regional Universities Midwest
  • Number of Students: Approximately 6,500
  • Degrees Offered: Over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Average SAT Score: 990-1220

Extracurricular Activities

  • Washburn Ichabods Athletics (NCAA Division II)
  • Student Government Association
  • Law and Moot Court Clubs
  • Washburn Review (student newspaper)
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Bob Dole – Former U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate
  2. Nancy Landon Kassebaum – Former U.S. Senator
  3. Jeff Colyer – Former Governor of Kansas
  4. Bill Kurtis – Journalist and TV personality
  5. Vern Miller – Former Kansas Attorney General

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. State of Kansas
  2. Stormont Vail Health
  3. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
  4. Kansas Department of Corrections
  5. Washburn University

8. Pittsburg State University

Overview of Pittsburg State University

Location: Pittsburg, Kansas
Pittsburg State University, founded in 1903, is a public university known for its programs in technology, engineering, business, and teacher education. The university is particularly renowned for its School of Technology and Workforce Development, which provides hands-on training in areas like automotive technology and construction. PSU has strong ties with industries, particularly in the Midwest.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #88 Regional Universities Midwest
  • Number of Students: Approximately 6,600
  • Degrees Offered: Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Average SAT Score: 970-1180

Extracurricular Activities

  • PSU Gorillas Athletics (NCAA Division II)
  • Student Government Association
  • Technology and Engineering Clubs
  • ROTC Program
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Gary Busey – Academy Award-nominated actor
  2. Dennis Franchione – College football coach
  3. Gary Patterson – TCU football coach
  4. Ron White – Comedian and actor
  5. John Lowe – Former Detroit Tigers beat writer and journalist

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Caterpillar
  2. Garmin International
  3. Kansas Department of Transportation
  4. Koch Industries
  5. Pittsburg State University

9. Friends University

Overview of Friends University

Location: Wichita, Kansas
Friends University, founded in 1898, is a private Christian university with a strong liberal arts tradition. Originally established by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), the university is known for its programs in business, education, and fine arts. Friends University is dedicated to providing a values-based education with a focus on leadership, service, and faith.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #117 Regional Universities Midwest
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,800
  • Degrees Offered: Over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • Average SAT Score: 960-1170

Extracurricular Activities

  • Friends Falcons Athletics (NAIA)
  • Music and Theater Programs
  • Student Government Association
  • Christian Ministry Groups
  • Business and Leadership Clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Jerry Moran – U.S. Senator
  2. Vickie Patik – Emmy Award-winning actress
  3. Paul J. Morrison – Former Kansas Attorney General
  4. Clara Hazelwood – Educator and humanitarian
  5. Don R. Pierce – Financial advisor and entrepreneur

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Friends University
  2. Kansas Department of Education
  3. Cessna Aircraft Company
  4. State of Kansas
  5. Spirit AeroSystems

10. MidAmerica Nazarene University

Overview of MidAmerica Nazarene University

Location: Olathe, Kansas
MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU), founded in 1966, is a private Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. It is known for its programs in nursing, business, and education. MNU offers a faith-based education with an emphasis on service, leadership, and academic excellence. The university is also known for its personalized education and small class sizes.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #90 Regional Universities Midwest
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,700
  • Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Average SAT Score: 990-1180

Extracurricular Activities

  • MNU Pioneers Athletics (NAIA)
  • Student Government Association
  • Christian Ministry Organizations
  • Service and Outreach Programs
  • Music and Choir Groups

Famous Alumni

  1. Rod Handley – Author and motivational speaker
  2. Diane T. Benson – Educator and political leader
  3. Terry Diebold – President of the Kansas National Guard Association
  4. Brandon Gale – College football coach
  5. Paul Cunningham – Senior pastor and faith leader

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Kansas City Public Schools
  2. Saint Luke’s Health System
  3. MidAmerica Nazarene University
  4. Garmin International
  5. Cerner Corporation