Choosing a college in Kansas doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Kansas are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Kansas , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 13 four-year Kansas Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $26,420, reflecting a 2.72% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 13 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 10 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 1 colleges.
Ottawa University-Kansas City ranks as the least expensive Kansas colleges. With tuition and fees at just $13,296, Ottawa University-Kansas City offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Emporia State University at$15,419 and Fort Hays State University at$17,741 both consistently recognized among the Kansas Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable Kansas Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 86.99%, and the average SAT score is 1,108, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | Ottawa University-Kansas City Overland Park, KSPrivate, 4-year | $13,296 - | $13,002 - | - | 528 | - | - | 6 to 1 |
| 2 - | Emporia State University Emporia, KSPublic, 4-year | $15,419 ($7,106) $250 | $19,154 ($8,843) $356 | 97.71% | 4,557 | - | 56.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 3 - | Fort Hays State University Hays, KSPublic, 4-year | $17,741 ($5,923) $930 | $12,745 ($4,949) $694 | 90.26% | 12,878 | 1,050 | 48.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 4 1 | Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KSPublic, 4-year | $19,744 ($8,400) $244 | $20,302 ($9,470) $280 | 89.42% | 5,755 | - | 57.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 5 1 | Wichita State University Wichita, KSPublic, 4-year | $19,869 ($9,684) $629 | $16,873 ($7,986) $648 | 93.95% | 16,689 | 1,110 | 51.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 6 - | Washburn University Topeka, KSPublic, 4-year | $20,949 ($9,945) $367 | $20,467 ($10,787) $399 | - | 6,033 | - | 53.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 7 - | Kansas State University Manhattan, KSPublic, 4-year | $28,568 ($11,221) $752 | $25,824 ($12,089) $677 | 81.69% | 20,295 | 1,170 | 71.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 8 - | University of Kansas Lawrence, KSPublic, 4-year | $30,432 ($12,102) $1,020 | $27,146 ($11,971) $910 | 93.48% | 29,792 | 1,190 | 69.00% | 18 to 1 |
| 9 - | Friends University Wichita, KSPrivate, 4-year | $34,192 $1,444 | $11,988 - | 55.22% | 1,961 | 1,020 | 43.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 10 - | Baker University Baldwin City, KSPrivate, 4-year | $35,200 $1,400 | $12,246 - | 94.19% | 2,017 | - | 58.00% | 13 to 1 |
| Average | $23,541 ($9,197) | $17,975 ($9,442) | 86.99% | 10,051 | 1,108 | 56.22% | 15 to 1 |