Several online colleges and universities in Kansas provide prospects for working professionals and busy students to obtain a degree. Digital Learning Compass shows that the state has a steadily increasing status of online enrollment. The population of distance learners continues to grow throughout the year, as the need for online education has been increasing. Of these distance learners, 75% are enrolled in public institutions, 16% in private, for-profit academic institutions, and 9% in private, not-for-profit schools. Of the state's population in online programs, 47% reside in Kansas, 45% are out-of-state students, and 8% were from the international community or students outside the U.S.
Several students take online courses in Kansas to study while devoting their time to personal and professional obligations. Also, distance learners can access the Kansas Association for Interactive Distance Education, a non-profit organization consisting of schools, state agencies, education facilities center, and IDL networks. KAIDE advocates for online learning, organizes conferences and forums, and awards related achievements. Kansas administration established the Kan-Ed Program to boost the use of broadband technology-based video conferencing for distance learning and telemedicine. Also, the program helps schools, hospitals, and libraries apply for federal grants associated with video conferencing for distance education and telemedicine. Distance learners can also benefit from the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance, offering students affordable and flexible online degree programs.
Kansas is home to morethan 50 four-year, degree-awarding academic institutions, 26 private schools,and 16 for-profit educational institutions. As such, students have a wide rangeof opportunities for online education, allowing them to choose their onlinedegree programs at a school or university they like or can afford.
METHODOLOGYFinding the best online school can be a real challenge for prospective distance learners. To aid you in your search, the staff and writers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com compiled a list of the 5 Top Online Schools in Kansas showcasing the academic institutions that promote a high quality of education. Here are the factors that we took into account to complete our list:
A high-quality virtual learning platform enabling students to gain access to their coursework in a fast and easy manner,
Highly competent teachers, some of whom are also instructors in brick-and-mortar colleges,
Rigorous coursework that emphasizes an approach to effective training that is at par with traditional academic standards,
Recognized by accrediting bodies that maintain the academic competence of colleges and universities.
See our Methodology Page to learn more about our ranking process.
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University offers several certificates, associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs, providing students the skills to succeed in a rapidly-changing career. Students who are interested in supplementing their education and career advancement can choose from a variety of online certificate programs in areas of study such as business, criminal justice, management, sustainability, and leadership.
FHSU's extensive online bachelor's degree programs include finance, business administration, sociology, education, nursing, management, and information networking & telecommunications. Some of these programs offer degree specializations, which enables distance learners to align their studies to their personal and professional aspirations. The majority of the bachelor's degree programs require 120-credit hours for completion, and students can earn their degrees in fewer than four years, especially if they have transfer credits.
Popular onlinemaster's degree programs such as nursing, business administration, history, andeducation provide learners the opportunity to obtain their graduate degreewhile pursuing personal and professional obligations. FHSU offers online degreeprograms in education for professionals who seek career advancements in theacademic fields. Furthermore, FHSU's doctorate program in nursing hassynchronous coursework offered in a cohort-based learning format.
FHSU has a wealth of online learning resources, providing a one-stop reference for students' academic needs. Online students can access through FHSU's Blackboard, a platform for hosting courses, assignments, research work, and interactive learning. Students can access the platform anytime, anywhere. Also, the university integrates Smarthinking, an online tutoring system for distance learners who require help and assistance in their academics.
Location: Hays, Kansas
AdmissionRequirements:Online Application
GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 Scale
ACT or SAT Test Scores
GED Requirements
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Baker University
Baker University provides a variety of online degree programs and coursework to involve students and encourage personal and professional growth. Undergraduates can choose from the Bachelor of Business Administration offered in three specializations, namely Business Leadership, Management, and Strategic Business Communication. Students can opt for the online bachelor's degree in criminal justice, preparing them for a rewarding career in criminal justice fields, law enforcement, or graduate studies. Program requirements and completion vary per degree program; however, the majority of them need 120-credit hours for students to earn their degrees successfully.
The university alsooffers online master's degree programs in organizational leadership, businessadministration, sports management, nursing, education, and instructional design& performance technology. The MBA program is offered in severalconcentrations, including human resources, finance, healthcare administration,and executive leadership. Graduate certificate programs in finance, leadershipand organizational change, human resources, and healthcare administration arealso available through the university's online degree offerings.
The Doctor of Education in Instructional Design & Performance Technology is the sole doctorate program offered by Baker University, enabling professionals to improve training and efficiency within the workplace. A dissertation is required in the completion of the program, and students can complete the online doctorate program in as little as three years.
There are recertification and professional development courses for educators who want to pursue their studies and broaden their knowledge in diverse areas on a selection of topics.
Location: Baldwin City, Kansas
AdmissionRequirements:Online Application
Official ACT or SAT Test Scores
GPA of 2.0
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, enabling students to take a set of coursework that aligns with their personal and professional goals. Distance learners can tailor their degree program with integration of an area of specialization.
ESU's online master's degreeprograms in educational administration, school counseling, instructionspecialty, library and information management, and curriculum & instructionhas several concentrations to choose from, allowing students to specialize intheir interest and academic goals. The majority of these master's degreeprograms require 33-credit hours for completion. Distance learners can earnthese through an accelerated 18-month timeline, making it possible to earntheir graduate studies in lesser time.
ESU has a variety ofcertificate and licensure programs for additional knowledge and for workingprofessionals who want to pursue career advancements and credentials.Undergraduate certificate programs include youth services, eLearning, thepsychology of learning, archives studies, literacy certificates, and autisticspectrum disorders among other featured certificate programs.
Tuition and Fees forundergraduates living in Kansas is $262.76/credit hour, while non-residentdistance fee is at $348.66/credit hour. Electronic Media Fee for all in-stateand out-of-state distance learners costs $30.00/course. The university is amember of the Midwest Student Exchange Program, providing additional benefitsfor students who are non-residents of Kansas.
Location: Emporia, Kansas
AdmissionRequirements:Online Application
Official SAT or ACT Test Scores
GED Requirement
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg State University has a wide selection of online degree programs in the undergraduate and graduate level of studies as well as several certifications. Students may choose from Pitt State's undergraduate offerings namely Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN), Bachelor of Science in Workforce Development, Bachelor of Science in Workforce Development- Supervision & Leadership, and Bachelor of Science in Workforce Development- Human Resources. These undergraduate programs integrate sequenced coursework that blends theoretical knowledge and experiential learning programs.
Graduate students who want to earn a master's degree at Pitt State can choose from more than 30 programs, including an MBA, history, sport & leisure service management, education, MSN-Nursing, human performance & wellness, and special education to name a few. The majority of the programs include 30-33 credit hours of coursework that develops advanced knowledge and competencies within their respective fields of interest.
Program requirementsand completion vary per specific program. The university has flat-rate tuitionacross their online degree programs, allowing out-of-state and part-timelearners to pay the same tuition as the in-state students.
Location: Pittsburg, Kansas
AdmissionRequirements:Online Application
GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
ACT or SAT Test Scores
Official Transcript of Records
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Wichita State University
Wichita State University has a variety of associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs offered in flat-rate tuition, making the university one of the affordable choices in earning a degree program across Kansas. The university has a generous transfer of credit opportunities, providing undergraduate students the chance to convey significant credits to an online bachelor's degree program.
WSU offers online bachelor's degrees in areas of study such as general business, dental hygiene, education, homeland security, and criminal justice, among other featured programs. The university's learning format allows distance learners to establish a curriculum tailored to their interest and aspirations, as well as with their future personal and professional goals.
The master's degreeprograms include criminal justice, arts leadership and management, and agingstudies, to name a few. Graduates can choose from WSU's master's degree programoffering in different areas of study. Also, the university has a Doctor ofNursing Practice (MSN to DNP) that offers four areas of specialization namelyadult/gero acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, adult/geroclinical nurse specialist, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner.The school's online DNP program is accredited by the Commission on CollegeNurse Education and is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Undergraduate Tuition costs $325.87 per credit hour, while graduate programs cost $404.19 per credit hour.
Location: Wichita, Kansas
AdmissionRequirements:Online Application
- Graduation from a Regionally-accredited and State-recognized
high school institution
Official Transcript of Records
$40 Application Fee
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
In Kansas, academic institutions typically provide lower tuition to state residents. However, some online schools in Kansas have the same tuition fees for all students, regardless if they are living inside or outside the state. A few schools charge higher rates for non-Kansas residents. If you want to qualify for a range of lucrative and rewarding career opportunities, earning a college degree is essential. When choosing where and what you want to study, you may need to weigh down both in-state and out-of-state schools. If you are a resident of Kansas, there are several advantages to enrolling in schools in your home state.
When prospectivestudents consider a college or university in Kansas, they must considerresidency status, exploring extensively for tuition rates at each prospectiveschool to make sure they can afford tuition expenses without further problems.To be qualified as a resident of Kansas for tuition purposes, applicants mustbe a resident of Kansas for at least 12 months before enrolling to any program.
The Midwestern Higher Education Compact is developed to enhance post-secondary education through the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), providing affordable opportunities for prospective students interested in enrolling out-of-state colleges. Over 100 colleges in Iowa, North Dakota, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri advocate MSEP programs by providing cheaper opportunities for out-of-state distance learners.
METHODOLOGYHow important is affordability to an online learner? With the skyrocketing college tuition, it makes sense for any prospective student to find an online school that not only offers academic quality but also promotes inexpensive education. Below, the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Kansas features the cheapest online schools in the state that give every student a better return on investment. They also provide eligible students with opportunities for financial assistance.
University of Saint Mary
The University of Saint Mary has three undergraduate offerings for prospective students, including an RN-to-BSN program, Bachelor's in Accounting, and a Bachelor's in Health Information Management. The RN-to-BSN degree program provides practicing nurses admission to an advanced set of coursework in health assessment, nursing research, and community health to enable personal and professional development and growth. Distance learners interested in pursuing USM's master's degree in nursing enjoy a tuition discount.
The online MSN degree has two specializations, namely nursing education or nursing administration. The program prepares and develops nurses to make advancements in their careers or leadership positions within the healthcare industry or to master nursing training. Students complete a practicum opportunity in healthcare facilities, organizations, or institutions approved by the program staff. To meet practicum requirements, students must have 120 clinical hours.
USM offers a master'sdegree in business administration with six specializations to choose from.Students can choose from human resources, finance, leadership andorganizational health, marketing and advertising, healthcare management, orgeneral management concentration. Students must complete 36-credit hours ofcoursework in the MBA program. Students can earn their MBA degree in as littleas 12 months. The program has six start dates across the academic year.
USM's Businessprograms receive accreditation from the International Assembly for CollegiateBusiness Education, while its nursing programs are accredited by the Commissionon Collegiate Nursing Education.
Location: Leavenworth, Kansas
AdmissionRequirements:Online Application
Official SAT or ACT Test Scores
GED Requirement
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tabor College
Tabor College provides working professionals and online students with several opportunities to further their education. Undergraduates can choose from three associate degree programs, namely Associate of Arts in Christian Studies, Associate of Science in Business Administration, and Associate of Arts in Urban Ministry. All associate degree programs can be credited for an equivalent bachelor's degree once completed. Prospective students can also choose from the bachelor's degree programs, including a BS degree in Christian Ministries, Nursing (RN-BSN), and Business Administration. Also, Tabor College offers a graduate-level of studies through its master's degree program offerings in Ministry Entrepreneurship and Innovation, MBA- Leadership, MBA- Athletic Administration Leadership, and MSN- Executive Leadership.
Program Requirements and Length differ perdegree programs. The associate degree programs require minimum 60-credit hoursfor completion. Once students can complete their AA degree, they can movedirectly to the 64-credit hours remaining in the completion of their bachelor'sdegree in the equivalent program. On the other hand, the online BSBA programhas required courses in marketing management, business ethics, managerialfinance, organizations & management, human resource management, andbusiness communication, among others. The RN-BSN Program of Tabor College receivesaccreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The courses offered by the school are intensive and delivered in an accelerated format. Students enroll in six-week courses entirely online. The majority of the students take one course at a time. One benefit of enrolling in the school's online program is personalized attention in smaller class sizes, providing distance learners the extensive learning they need to meet their academic goals and aspirations. All instructions delivered by Tabor College's courses are Christ-centered and are taught by well-trained Christian faculty.
Tuition Fees vary per degree program. Students who are residing outside Kansas pay the same tuition rate as in-state students. Associate degree programs cost $280 per credit hour, while the bachelor's and master's degree programs have corresponding per credit rates depending on the majors.
Location: Hillsboro, Kansas
AdmissionRequirements:Online Application for Admission
Official Transcript of Records
- Online Financial Aid Application (For qualified
applicants)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Kansas Christian College
Kansas Christian College is considered one of the most convenient Christian online academic institutions in Kansas. They offer two associate and two bachelor's degree programs in Leadership and Ministry as well as in Business areas of study. Prospective students earning an associate degree can choose from the Associate of Arts in Leadership and Ministry, and Associate of Arts in Business. However, they can choose from the bachelor's degree program offerings through the Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Ministry, and Bachelor of Arts in Business. All programs are hosted in an inspiring online environment and student-centered education.
The associate degree in leadership and ministry program requires 63-credit hours. Students take required core courses such as Sharing and Defending the Christian Faith, Communication for Leaders, Issues in Christian Leadership, and Leadership and Ministry Capstone, to name a few. The associate of arts in the business program requires 66-credit hours for completion. Some of the required core courses include Fundamentals of Business, Business Law, Introduction to Leadership, Global Issues in Business, and Accounting Methods. A business case study is also required for graduation, providing students the opportunity to apply the knowledge he or she has earned to the solution of actual business challenges in the organization. On the other hand, all bachelor's degree programs require 120-credit hours for completion. Each baccalaureate program has core program requirements to be completed by distance learners.
Classes are deliveredin an asynchronous format, allowing students the flexibility they need incompleting their courses. They take one class at a time, with each completed infive weeks. Online Tuition costs $310 per credit hour. In-state andout-of-state students share the same tuition rates for all their online degreeprograms. The school offers several financial aid opportunities for qualifiedstudents as well as tuition discounts. All program curriculum isbiblically-based.
Location: Overland Park, Kansas
AdmissionRequirements:Online Application
$40 Non-Refundable Application Fee
Three Letters of Recommendation
- Official High School and College Transcripts of
Records
ACT or SAT Test Scores
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Newman University
Newman University has three online undergraduate degrees and four graduate degrees in areas of study focusing on business, education, and theology. Undergraduate students can choose from Business- Organizational Leadership, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Business & Strategic Intelligence. On the other hand, prospective graduate students can choose from Newman's online Master of Theological Studies, Master of Education, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Arts in Theology.
All program offerings by the university vary in program requirements and length. The online bachelor's degree in organizational leadership program requires 124-credit hours for completion. Students take courses in talent management, leadership, cross-cultural communication, mindful leadership, organizational behavior, and business ethics, among other featured major courses. The BS in strategic intelligence program also requires 124-credit hours for completion; however, core requirements include intelligence collection, law, and ethics in intelligence, the cold war, IT data visualization, and IT concepts of management information systems to name a few. The master's degree programs require 30-credit hours for completion. Toward the beginning of each class at the graduate level, students are required to meet for an intensive weekend of instruction at the Wichita main campus. Students who are not able to attend the said event are provided with online versions of the discussion, lectures, and other events.
Newman University's online programs are designed to meet student schedules and needs and start every eight weeks. Students take classes continuously throughout the academic year to help them accelerate their degree completion. The university integrates Blackboard as their learning management system, allowing online students to access course materials, assignments, and other learning resources.
Flat rate tuition of$15,193 is implemented if enrolled in 12-19 hours. Graduate tuition persemester differs per major program requirement. Master of Science in Educationcosts $425/credit hour, Master of Arts in Theology costs $482/credit hour, andMaster of Science in Social Work costs $595/credit hour. Newman University isone of the most affordable universities in Kansas that provides numerousopportunities for financial aid programs, scholarships, grants, and discountsfor qualified students. 99% of its first-time students received financialassistance in different forms.
Location: Wichita, Kansas
AdmissionRequirements:Online Application
Official ACT or SAT Test Scores
- Official High School and College Transcript of
Records
GPA of 2.0
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Barclay College
Barclay College offers a variety of online degree programs and coursework to help students respond to God's call through academic excellence. Undergraduates can choose from different extensive programs provided by the school, including Bachelor's Degree in Christian Leadership, Biblical Studies, Psychology, and Business Management. Program requirements and completion vary per degree program; however, the majority of them need 120-credit hours for students to obtain their degrees successfully.
All of the online bachelor's degree programs permit students to transfer credits and earn their degree in less than four years. They can transfer up to 60-credit hours as well as complete their degree in 18-24 months, depending on the student's timeframe and pace of learning. The majority of the programs require 128-credit hours for completion.
Barclay also providesundergraduate certificate programs. They can choose from biblical studies,business management, psychology, and Christian leadership. Also, students canchoose a Friends Ministry Training Certificate at Barclay. The 30-credit hourcertificate program offers distance learners a working knowledge of the Bibleand an in-depth understanding of the role of prayer and scripture in everydaylife.
Location: Haviland, Kansas
AdmissionRequirements:Online Application
Official ACT or SAT Test Scores
GPA of 2.0 or Higher
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
