The cost of college in Kansas — and what it pays back
Across the 57 Kansas institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $15,280/yr, $1,626 below the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $45,846 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 23 of the 57 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$15,280
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$45,846
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
16.4 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
23/57
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Kansas's 57 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong1
Solid5
Slow7
Weak44
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galen Health Institutes-Wichita | $29,785 | $61,480 | 4.5 yrs |
| University of Kansas | $18,059 | $61,945 | 5.3 yrs |
| Baker University | $25,301 | $63,855 | 6.5 yrs |
| University of Saint Mary | $22,519 | $59,483 | 8.1 yrs |
| Kansas State University | $19,406 | $57,262 | 8.7 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haskell Indian Nations University | $3,134 | $37,043 | no payback |
| Independence Community College | $3,265 | $34,941 | no payback |
| Dodge City Community College | $4,068 | $45,427 | no payback |
| Coffeyville Community College | $4,957 | $35,246 | no payback |
| Fort Scott Community College | $5,586 | $37,213 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Kansas?
The median net price across Kansas colleges is $15,280/yr after aid — below the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Kansas cheaper than the national average?
Yes, on median net price: $15,280/yr vs $16,906 nationally — about $1,626/yr less.
What do Kansas college graduates earn?
A median $45,846 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Kansas college pays for itself fastest?
Galen Health Institutes-Wichita — about 4.5 years to clear its $59,570 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-kansas page.