The benefits of enrolling in the most affordable colleges extend far beyond monetary savings. Students receive a high-quality education, personalized attention, valuable resources, and a strong foundation for future success, all without the financial strain often associated with higher education.
So, when considering your college options, remember that affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—sometimes, it means finding an excellent education at a price you can afford.
Documented below are detailed explanations of the Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas, highlighting some of the benefits of enrolling in the most affordable colleges in Kansas, and career job opportunities available in Kansas state after enrolling in one of the most affordable colleges in Kansas.
We believe that after reading through this content, you will be able to make informed and concrete ideas on which of the Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas you might want to enroll in. Other related information like the cost of a college degree and how to make a college affordable has been written in the article below. Do well to read till the end to get a full gist. Continue Reading.
Most Affordable Colleges in Kansas
Below, we list the eight most affordable colleges in Kansas, a sample of the degrees they offer, and the tuition rates you can expect to pay.
1. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public Kansas college known for its affordability and friendly atmosphere. They offer a variety of undergraduate degrees, so you can find your perfect fit. With dorms and apartments on campus, FHSU makes living close by easy. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a quality education at an affordable price
It offers both online and in-person degree programs. Some of the many options include Biology, Communication, Criminal Justice, Geology, and Organizational Leadership.
Undergraduate tuition starts at just $187.80 for students in Kansas and the surrounding states. Out-of-state tuition starts at $560.39.
Tuition for online degrees starts at $242.76 and applies to all students regardless of residency.
2. Emporia State University
Emporia State University (Emporia State or ESU) is a public university in Emporia, Kansas. Founded in 1863, it’s the third-oldest public university in the state. Here’s a quick snapshot:
Public University: Offers affordable tuition, especially for in-state students.
Focus on Education: Originally a teacher’s college, ESU has a strong reputation in education programs.
Variety of Degrees: Provides undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, from liberal arts to business and sciences. Various online and in-person degrees are available, including:
- Accounting Services
- Computer Science
- Crime and Delinquency Studies
- Elementary Education
- Health and Human Performance
Every student in the continental United States pays the same in-state tuition of $3,467 per semester, with flat tuition rates applied to those enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester.
3. Wichita State University
Wichita State University is a large public school in Wichita. It enrolls more than 17,500 students in campus-based and online degree programs.
Some of the bachelor’s degrees you can choose from include:
- American Sign Language
- Collaborative Design
- Economics
- Forensic Sciences
- International Business
The cost of tuition for in-state students and some regional students is $241.55 per credit hour. Additional regional students are eligible for $362.33 in reduced out-of-state tuition. $572.15 is the standard out-of-state tuition.
The in-state tuition rate is the same for all online students.
4. University of Pittsburgh
Situated in Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a public university. It provides degrees both online and in person, much like the majority of the universities on this list.
Select from a variety of program alternatives, such as:
- Architectural Manufacturing Management and Technology
- Career and Technical Education
- Computer Information Systems
- Physics
- Multimedia Journalism
There is a set tuition fee of $4,078 per semester for Kansas students enrolled in ten or more credit hours. Numerous students from out-of-state may also be eligible for in-state tuition discounts.
$9,750 per semester is the cost of out-of-state tuition.
5. The College of Southwest
With over 1,900 students enrolled, Southwestern College is a private institution. Based in Winfield, it aims to meet the special requirements of non-traditional and adult learners.
Most degree programs are provided online. As choices for a bachelor’s degree,
- Business Quality Management
- Healthcare Administration
- Data Science
- Organizational Psychology
- Elementary Education
Regardless of residence status, the cost of tuition for undergraduate students is a fixed $325 per credit hour. There are $250 per credit hour reductions for military personnel.
6. Kansas State University
With campuses in Olathe and Salina, Kansas State University’s main office is located in Manhattan. Its online and on-campus programs enroll close to 25,000 students.
Some of the many available programs include:
- Agricultural Economics Management
- Bakery Science and Management
- Civil Engineering
- Dietetics
- Educational Studies
Undergraduate tuition for residents is $332.12 per credit hour; for non-residents, it is $894.60. The cost of attendance for all online students is $393.75 per credit hour.
There are tuition breaks offered by the Salina campus.
7. University of Washburn
A private university called Washburn University is situated in Topeka, the state capital. There are over 7,000 pupils enrolled in the institution.
Programs for degrees include: Actuarial Science, Digital Forensics Kinesiology, Music, and Welding. The cost of tuition varies per program. Undergraduate local and regional students pay $338 per credit hour on average. The first credit hour at an out-of-state cost is $731.
All online courses, regardless of domicile, begin at $439.
8. The College of Donnelly
Donnelly College is a Kansas City-based small private university. It has about 300 students enrolled.
There is a business leadership bachelor’s degree program available. Programs for master’s and associate’s degrees are also offered.
Regardless of residence, the starting tuition for all students is $395 per credit hour.
Other Cheap Colleges and Degree Programs
Bonus: Let’s look at a few institutions that offer Kansas students and others throughout the nation reasonably priced online education.
1. People’s University
A private, online-only institution, the University of the People is situated in California.
Three bachelor’s degree programs are available at this school:
Business administration, computer science, and health science.
At this school, tuition is free, however, there are a few expenses associated with each course and program.
2. The Brigham Young University
There is a campus of Brigham Young University in Idaho in addition to its main location in Utah. Through its BYU Pathway Worldwide program, it also grants degrees online.
Online degrees include:
- Applied Business Management
- Professional Studies
- Communication
- Software Development
- Family and Human Studies
Residence has no bearing on tuition costs. Latter-day Saint students pay incredibly inexpensive rates, which begin at about $81 per credit hour. Nonmembers likewise pay relatively little.
What’s the Cost of a College Degree?
Depending on the university you attend and if you are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, tuition expenses might differ significantly. It could also be influenced by the degree you’re pursuing’s subject.
The universities on this list generally charge undergraduate tuition in the range of $188 to $395 per credit hour.
Tuition for a bachelor’s degree can range from $22,560 to $47,400, not including books, fees, and other expenditures.
How to Make College Affordable
In Kansas, even the least expensive universities have high tuition costs. Let’s look at a few methods you might save costs while obtaining your degree.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships
Scholars who exhibit brilliance in academics or another field are awarded scholarships by a range of companies, educational institutions, and other organizations. Take a look at applying for a few of these scholarships.
Alternatively, you can apply for need-based financial help by completing the FAFSA. Both the federal and state governments are funding this assistance.
Your college may be able to ascertain if you qualify for additional types of aid, such as tuition waivers, by having you complete the FAFSA.
Transfer of Credits
To earn credit toward their eventual degree, a large number of high school students take examinations and finish coursework. Oftentimes, obtaining these credits is far less expensive than enrolling in the college courses they supplement.
Along with credits from community college or associate degree programs, you can transfer these credits to be applied toward your degree. Your total college expenses will be reduced as a result.
Benefits for Tuition and Work-Study Programs
To assist students with the expense of their degrees, several universities offer work-study programs. Ascertain whether any of these programs are offered at your institution.
If you currently work for a firm, inquire about any benefits they may have regarding tuition help.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition Rates
Regional and in-state students often pay less than out-of-state students. Sometimes, especially if they do their coursework online, all students pay the same price.
The following is a range of in-state tuition costs for the universities in this article:
- Most affordable: $187.80 at Fort Hays State University
- The most costly is $395 at Donnelly College.
The following are the out-of-state tuition ranges:
- The lowest: is $325 at Southwestern College
- Kansas State University is the most costly, at $894.60.