Comprehensive guide to Kansas education resources for students, educators, and parents. Explore public universities, community colleges, technical schools, K-12 education, scholarships, and adult learning programs across the state.
State Universities
Public Research InstitutionsK-12 Schools
287 School DistrictsCommunity Colleges
Two-Year ProgramsGraduation Rate
High School CompletionsKansas is home to six state universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. These comprehensive public research institutions serve over 115,000 students and offer more than 1,500 degree programs combined.
Location: Lawrence (main campus)
Enrollment: 27,212 students (fall 2025)
Programs: Over 345 degree programs and 200+ undergraduate majors
Notable Schools: Business, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Journalism, Architecture, Education
Highest-ranked university in Kansas with 48 programs in top 50 among public universities. Strong online presence through KU Online.
Visit WebsiteLocation: Manhattan (main campus), with branch campuses in Salina and Olathe
Enrollment: 23,500 students
Founded: 1863 as Kansas State Agricultural College
Programs: Extensive engineering, agriculture, business, and veterinary programs
Land-grant research university. K-State Online offers 50+ distance education programs with 97% job placement rate.
Visit WebsiteLocation: Wichita
Enrollment: 18,458 students (fall 2025, main campus)
Programs: 60+ undergraduate degree programs in 200+ areas of study
Graduate: 50+ master's degrees and 13 doctoral degrees
Five consecutive years of enrollment growth. Strong engineering and business programs with practical, hands-on education.
Visit WebsiteLocation: Hays
Founded: 1902
Online Programs: 40 online degree programs serving 8,759 online students
Specialties: Education, business, engineering with strong online education offerings
Excellent for distance learners. Many education and core curriculum courses available entirely online.
Visit WebsiteLocation: Emporia
Founded: 1863 as Kansas State Normal School (first public institution)
Strengths: Education programs, business, liberal arts
Special Focus: Teachers College with master's degrees and professional licensures
Historic institution with strong education and teaching programs. Founded as the first public higher education institution in Kansas.
Visit WebsiteLocation: Pittsburg
Founded: 1904
Programs: Engineering, business, education, and technology fields
Character: Affordable tuition with strong student-faculty relationships
Known for practical, applied education. Course sharing partnerships with other state universities.
Visit WebsiteKansas is home to 17 private universities, many with religious affiliations. These institutions offer personalized education, small class sizes, and strong liberal arts foundations.
Location: Atchison
Over 50 academic programs promoting collaboration and critical thinking in a Catholic liberal arts setting.
Location: Baldwin City
Founded in 1858. Small private university with personalized learning, innovative instructors, and accredited online degree programs.
Location: Salina
Private Methodist undergraduate liberal arts university with flexible distance education options and interactive online courses.
Location: McPherson
Private Christian undergraduate liberal arts college with strong emphasis on personal development and community engagement.
Location: Olathe
Private Christian liberal arts university offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs.
Location: Wichita
Catholic liberal arts university serving 2,000+ students with business, education, nursing, and engineering programs.
Location: Sterling
Liberal arts college developing creative and leadership skills through interdisciplinary studies and hands-on learning.
Location: Hillsboro
Private Mennonite liberal arts college offering diverse academic programs in Christian educational environment.
Location: Ottawa
Features liberal arts core curriculum training well-rounded professionals with strong focus on experiential learning.
Location: Wichita
Christian liberal arts university of Quaker heritage offering undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.
Location: Leavenworth
Emphasizes academic excellence and servant leadership integrated into programs. Catholic women's institution.
Location: Winfield
Private Methodist comprehensive college with undergraduate and graduate programs focused on student success.
Kansas hosts 18 religiously affiliated private institutions offering students diverse educational philosophies and values-based learning communities.
Kansas operates 25 community colleges and 6 technical colleges providing affordable two-year and certificate programs. With open admission policies and job placement rates over 90%, these institutions serve 71,530 students statewide.
Location: Overland Park
One of the largest community colleges in greater Kansas City area. 45 programs of study with 99 degree and certificate options including skilled trades.
VisitLocation: Kansas City
Offers 2-year degrees, 1-year technical certificates, and transfer credit. Strong career and technical education programs.
VisitLocation: Arkansas City
Two-year degree programs and workforce training. STEM programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
VisitLocation: Hutchinson
Comprehensive community college with transfer programs and technical certifications.
VisitLocation: Concordia
Two-year transfer programs and career technical education in central Kansas.
VisitAthletic Conference
Organizes sports competitions and activities among member community colleges throughout Kansas.
Kansas Technical Colleges offer specialized training in high-demand fields with exceptional job placement rates:
Location: Topeka | Job Placement: 94%
Serves 1,000+ students. 30+ technical certificates in manufacturing, construction, transportation, and design technology. Cost: $165/credit hour for post-secondary.
Industries: Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, HVAC, Mechanics, Construction, Dental Hygiene
Available through community and technical colleges. Approximately $101/credit hour for county residents.
Kansas serves nearly 500,000 students through 1,305 public schools in 287 school districts. The state maintains strong graduation rates and competitive teacher-to-student ratios.
Comprehensive support for exceptional learners. Access to Kansas Special Education Process Handbook, dispute resolution forms, and gifted services information.
Learn MoreSupervisory oversight of programs enhancing quality child nutrition. Includes meal programs, wellness initiatives, and health education.
Learn MoreWorkforce development programs preparing students for high-demand careers. Industry partnerships and real-world training.
Learn MoreProfessional development in Universal Design for Learning, co-teaching, assistive technology, and behavior support systems.
Learn MoreKansas universities and colleges offer extensive online degree programs, certificates, and courses. Distance learning provides flexibility for working professionals, place-bound students, and busy families.
Institution: Kansas State University
Experience: 50+ years in distance education
Programs: 50+ online degree options
Placement Rate: 97% job placement
Tuition: #1 best value in Kansas
Explore ProgramsInstitution: University of Kansas
Programs: Undergraduate, graduate, certificates
Faculty: Same highly regarded faculty as on-campus
Curriculum: Identical rigor as in-person programs
Community: Active online learning community
Explore ProgramsInstitution: Fort Hays State University
Programs: 40 online degree programs
Enrollment: 8,759 online students
Coverage: Education, business, engineering
Availability: Study from anywhere in the world
Explore ProgramsInstitution: Baker University
Accreditation: Highly ranked online programs
ROI: Highest return on investment in Kansas
Programs: Multiple degree options
Flexibility: Distance learning degrees with support
Explore ProgramsInstitution: Kansas Wesleyan University
Delivery: Interactive discussions through online platform
Format: Pre-recorded video lectures available
Community: Active online learning community
Flexibility: Flexible distance education options
Explore ProgramsType: K-12 Distance Learning
Grades: Kindergarten through 12th grade
Accreditation: Accredited Kansas schools
Diploma: Standard high school diplomas
Support: Online instruction with educational support
Explore SchoolsKansas provides multiple state-funded scholarships and grants to help students afford higher education. The Kansas Board of Regents administers student financial aid programs.
Purpose: Assist students in high wage, high demand, or critical need industry programs
Eligible Institutions: Kansas community colleges, technical colleges, Washburn Institute of Technology, selected private institutions
Award Limit: Up to 68 credit hours or $20,000 (whichever first)
Fields: Healthcare, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades
ApplyBasis: Financial need-based assistance
Coverage: Approximately 1 in 3 eligible students
Awards (Private): $200 - $10,000
Awards (Public): $100 - $4,000
Requirement: FAFSA application
ApplyTarget: First-generation college students and children of teachers/paraprofessionals
Degree: First undergraduate degree
Benefit: Direct assistance for college costs
Requirement: FAFSA and Kansas residency
ApplyTarget: Financially needy, top 20-30% of HS graduates
Designation: State Scholars during senior year
Eligibility: High academic achievement with financial need
Support: Full tuition assistance at participating schools
ApplyTarget: Kansas residents age 25 and older
Degree: Bachelor's degree programs
Fields: Specific high-need disciplines
Benefit: Financial support for returning learners
ApplyKansas Teacher Service Scholarship: Merit-based with service obligation in hard-to-fill disciplines or underserved areas
Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship: Requires practice as LPN/RN in Kansas at approved employer facilities
Support: Bachelor's and master's degree options
ApplyKansas provides comprehensive adult education programs including GED test prep, English language learning, and career readiness training through community colleges and technical institutions.
Target Age: Adults 16 and older
Focus Areas: Reading, math, English, science, social studies
Goal: Basic skills for workforce, community participation, family life
Providers: KCKCC, JCCC, Hutchinson CC, and others
Programs: Structured GED prep courses at community colleges
Format: In-person and online options available
Testing: Official GED testing centers throughout Kansas
Support: Personalized study plans and test-taking strategies
Provider: Washburn Tech
Program: Earn GED and acquire technical training simultaneously
Benefit: Pathway to high-wage technical careers
Timeline: Accelerated completion of both credentials
Learn MoreProgram: Johnson County Community College
Scholarship: $600 upon community college enrollment
Eligibility: GED graduates who studied through JCAE
Timeline: Must enroll within 12 months of GED completion
Type: Tuition-free self-paced online learning
Eligibility: Kansas residents without high school diploma
Diploma: Graduation diploma from Centre School District
Format: Flexible schedule, study at your own pace
EnrollFocus: ESL and English language development
Providers: Community colleges, technical colleges
Goal: Build English skills for employment and citizenship
Support: Individualized instruction and practice
Kansas offers specialized education programs including STEM initiatives, teacher certification, and comprehensive support services through the Kansas Department of Education.
KC STEM Alliance: Reaches 60,000+ K-12 students with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) in 9-county area
STEMTeach KU: Undergraduate STEM degree with teaching license option
FIRST Robotics: All four levels represented in Kansas schools
Community Programs: After-school STEM initiatives and competitions
Approved Programs: 24 state-approved teacher preparation programs
Universities: KU, K-State, Wichita State, Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Pittsburg State
Alternative Routes: Alternative teacher certification pathways available
Requirements: Bachelor's degree + passing Praxis exams in subject and pedagogy
Learn MoreSupport: Resources and programs for gifted learners
Training: Professional development for educators working with gifted students
Identification: Assessment and identification procedures
Programs: Enrichment and acceleration options statewide
Provider: Kansas Infinitec through TASN
Focus: Professional development in accessible instruction
Topics: Co-teaching, coaching, technology integration, assistive technology
Goal: Ensure all students can access and benefit from instruction
Support: Multi-phase training and coaching for district leaders
Focus: Pre-K through high school alignment
Training: Building teams and school improvement initiatives
Evidence-Based: Research-based supports for student success
Mission: Support districts serving children with diverse learning and complex behavioral needs
Services: Professional development and local capacity building
Focus: Evidence-based practices for behavioral support
Support: Coaching and technical assistance for schools
Kansas has six public universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents:
Together, these universities offer more than 1,500 degree programs and serve over 115,000 students.
Kansas operates 25 community colleges and 6 technical colleges. These institutions serve 71,530 students and provide:
Community colleges are known for open admission policies, affordable tuition, and strong job placement rates (typically over 90%).
Kansas universities offer dozens of online degree and certificate programs, including:
All online programs maintain the same rigor and quality as on-campus instruction, taught by the same faculty members.
Kansas offers several major state scholarships and grants:
To apply for most programs, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Contact individual universities for additional institutional scholarships.
Multiple options are available for GED test preparation and certification in Kansas:
Contact your local community college or technical college for enrollment information and class schedules.
Key Kansas K-12 education statistics:
Kansas maintains excellent teacher-to-student ratios and competitive graduation rates compared to national averages.
To become a licensed teacher in Kansas, follow these steps:
Many universities offer online teaching certification programs and endorsement options for practicing educators seeking advanced credentials.
The Kansas Board of Regents is the governing board for Kansas public higher education:
The Board's mission is to ensure quality, access, and affordability of Kansas higher education.
Kansas offers comprehensive trade and vocational training programs:
Technical programs emphasize hands-on learning with industry-standard equipment and real-world instruction.
Official resources for Kansas education information:
Most Kansas education institutions have dedicated student services to help with enrollment, financial aid, and academic planning.
Last updated on November 24, 2025