Rankings / By State

Best Master's Programs in Kansas

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 25 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$51,716

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

47%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$21,140

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing a master's program can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options in Kansas. These programs stand out for their strong graduate outcomes, making them worthy of consideration. For instance, graduates from the University of Kansas earn an average of $61,945, a figure that speaks to the potential return on investment for students.

What sets the top-performing schools apart in this list are four key factors: earnings, graduation rates, debt levels, and mobility. The data reveals that while some schools may boast higher graduation rates, they might not offer the same earning potential post-graduation. As you review the rankings below, keep these outcomes in mind to find a program that aligns with your goals and financial situation.

Take, for example, Kansas State University and Fort Hays State University. While Kansas State has a higher graduation rate at 71% compared to Fort Hays' 48%, the average earnings for Kansas State graduates are $57,262, significantly higher than Fort Hays' $48,928. This contrast highlights the importance of balancing graduation rates with earning potential when making your decision.

Key Findings

University of Kansas graduates earn an average of $61,945 after completing their master's programs.

Kansas State University has the highest graduation rate at 71%, compared to Fort Hays State's 48%.

The average net price for a master's program in Kansas is $17,236.

Wichita State University has the lowest net price at $13,194 among the top five schools.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 25

Avg. earnings at 10yr $51,716

Avg. graduation rate 47%

Avg. net price $21,140

Avg. median debt $21,432

How We Ranked

Master's programs in Kansas ranked by graduate outcomes

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS

Graduation48%

Earnings$48,928

Net Price$12,569

View full profile →

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, KS

Graduation57%

Earnings$50,579

Net Price$15,784

View full profile →

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

Graduation69%

Earnings$61,945

Net Price$18,059

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · 9,733 students · Public

Fort Hays State University, with a student population of nearly 10,000, may be a great fit for those seeking a more personalized college experience. The graduation rate is lower at 48%, which may signal that students need to be proactive in seeking support to help them stay on track to finish their degrees.

90% accepted 48% graduate $48,928 earnings

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, KS · 4,210 students · Public

Pittsburg State University is home to a close-knit community with a strong focus on student success, reflected in its 57% graduation rate. The campus provides a welcoming atmosphere where students can engage in various activities while pursuing their degrees in a supportive environment.

89% accepted 57% graduate $50,579 earnings

Pittsburg's full profile

University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · 21,217 students · Public

With a large student body of over 21,000, the University of Kansas cultivates a vibrant campus life. Its graduation rate of 69% suggests a supportive environment where many students find the resources they need to succeed and graduate in a timely manner.

93% accepted 69% graduate $61,945 earnings

University's full profile

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS · 10,780 students · Public

With a strong acceptance rate of 94%, Wichita State University welcomes a diverse group of students. Its location in Wichita, Kansas, offers a vibrant city life along with affordable living, creating a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and socially.

94% accepted 51% graduate $51,532 earnings

Wichita's full profile

Newman University

Wichita, KS · 851 students · Private nonprofit

Newman University, a smaller private nonprofit institution in Wichita, enrolls about 851 students, fostering a close-knit community. The graduation rate of 53% indicates some challenges in degree completion, making it essential for students to engage fully with available resources and support systems.

74% accepted 53% graduate $55,041 earnings

Newman's full profile

Emporia State University

Emporia, KS · 2,239 students · Public

Emporia State University is known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to student success, boasting a high acceptance rate of 98%. This public institution emphasizes personalized attention, allowing students to build meaningful relationships with faculty and peers while pursuing their academic goals.

98% accepted 55% graduate $47,601 earnings

Emporia's full profile

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS · 15,142 students · Public

Kansas State University serves around 15,000 students in the lively town of Manhattan. A graduation rate of 71% shows that most students find their footing and complete their degrees, while the slightly lower acceptance rate of 82% indicates a competitive yet welcoming environment for prospective students.

82% accepted 71% graduate $57,262 earnings

Kansas's full profile

Benedictine College

Atchison, KS · 2,272 students · Private nonprofit

Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, is a private institution with a strong graduation rate of 63%. The college fosters a tight-knit community where students can develop their academic and personal skills in a supportive environment that values tradition and rigorous scholarship.

98% accepted 63% graduate $53,175 earnings

Benedictine's full profile

Baker University

Baldwin City, KS · 1,100 students · Private nonprofit

In Baldwin City, Kansas, Baker University welcomes roughly 1,100 students and features a graduation rate of 59%. The university's diverse academic programs and high acceptance rate of 94% attract a wide range of students seeking higher education in a supportive setting. This makes it an appealing choice for those looking to flourish in their studies.

94% accepted 59% graduate $63,855 earnings

Hesston College

Hesston, KS · 372 students · Private nonprofit

Hesston College, a private nonprofit institution with around 372 students, is notable for its strong graduation rate of 59%. Nestled in Hesston, Kansas, the college fosters a supportive environment that encourages personal and academic growth, appealing to those who thrive in a tight-knit community.

59% graduate $47,495 earnings

Hesston's full profile

#11

McPherson College

McPherson, KS · 872 students · Private nonprofit

McPherson College, situated in McPherson, Kansas, has a close-knit student community of 872. With a graduation rate of 44%, the college focuses on providing a nurturing environment where students can flourish both academically and personally.

77% accepted 44% graduate $52,084 earnings

McPherson's full profile

#12

MidAmerica Nazarene University

Olathe, KS · 983 students · Private nonprofit

MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, serves around 983 students and boasts a 49% graduation rate, highlighting a commitment to student success. The university fosters an inclusive environment that attracts individuals looking for both academic and spiritual growth.

79% accepted 49% graduate $62,972 earnings

MidAmerica's full profile

#13

Friends University

Wichita, KS · 1,048 students · Private nonprofit

Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, offers a diverse educational experience to about 1,048 students, emphasizing academic and personal development. With a graduation rate of 52%, the university supports a wide range of students, including 30% who are Pell Grant recipients, indicating its focus on inclusivity and accessibility for those from varied economic backgrounds.

55% accepted 52% graduate $52,113 earnings

Friends's full profile

#14

Tabor College

Hillsboro, KS · 494 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in Hillsboro, Kansas, Tabor College serves a smaller student body of about 494, providing an intimate learning environment. With a 65% acceptance rate, it is open to various students, including 38% who receive Pell Grants, reflecting its inclusive atmosphere and commitment to supporting those in need.

65% accepted 33% graduate $54,058 earnings

Washburn University

Topeka, KS · 4,562 students · Public

Located in Topeka, Kansas, Washburn University serves over 4,500 students and emphasizes a commitment to academic success. With a graduation rate of 53%, the university is focused on supporting students through their educational journey, preparing them for a successful future in various fields.

53% graduate $49,774 earnings

Washburn's full profile

#16

University of Saint Mary

Leavenworth, KS · 925 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Leavenworth, Kansas, the University of Saint Mary caters to a relatively small student body of about 925, creating an intimate campus atmosphere. With a 46% graduation rate, the school emphasizes a supportive community that can help students navigate their educational journey successfully.

87% accepted 46% graduate $59,483 earnings

University's full profile

#17

Donnelly College

Kansas City, KS · 395 students · Private nonprofit

Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, is a smaller private nonprofit institution that welcomes around 395 students. The college is particularly known for its inclusive environment, with 67% of its students receiving Pell Grants, showcasing its commitment to accessibility for individuals from low-income backgrounds.

42% graduate $35,715 earnings

Donnelly's full profile

#18

Ottawa University-Ottawa

Ottawa, KS · 870 students · Private nonprofit

Ottawa University, located in Ottawa, Kansas, presents an intimate setting for about 870 students, emphasizing community and support. The school’s acceptance rate of 83% reflects its commitment to accessibility, with 37% of students receiving Pell Grants, signaling a dedication to helping those from lower-income families succeed.

83% accepted 28% graduate $55,552 earnings

Ottawa's full profile

#19

Southwestern College

Winfield, KS · 924 students · Private nonprofit

With a close-knit community of around 924 students, Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, fosters a personalized educational experience. The school has a notable acceptance rate of 76%, indicating its openness to students from various backgrounds, including 41% who receive Pell Grants, which can help support those with financial needs.

76% accepted 35% graduate $55,646 earnings

Southwestern's full profile

#20

Bethel College-North Newton

North Newton, KS · 504 students · Private nonprofit

At Bethel College-North Newton, the emphasis on nurturing a supportive environment is evident with a 42% graduation rate among its 504 students. The college's commitment to accessibility is reflected in its high acceptance rate of 94% and that 41% of students receive Pell Grants, allowing many to pursue their academic ambitions regardless of financial background.

94% accepted 42% graduate $49,898 earnings

Bethel's full profile

#21

Sterling College

Sterling, KS · 538 students · Private nonprofit

With a student body of 538, Sterling College fosters a close-knit community where personalized attention is common. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting individuals from lower-income backgrounds as they pursue their education.

48% accepted 34% graduate $45,846 earnings

Sterling's full profile

#22

Kansas Wesleyan University

Salina, KS · 956 students · Private nonprofit

Kansas Wesleyan University, located in Salina, Kansas, has a student body of 956 and a graduation rate of 43%. This institution emphasizes a holistic education that prepares students for a variety of career paths while promoting a strong sense of community.

72% accepted 43% graduate $51,152 earnings

Kansas's full profile

#23

Bethany College

Lindsborg, KS · 569 students · Private nonprofit

Bethany College, located in Lindsborg, KS, is home to 569 students and has a long-standing tradition of liberal arts education. With a 32% graduation rate, it offers a unique perspective on student support and engagement, as nearly half of the attendees receive Pell Grants, showcasing its inclusivity for diverse backgrounds.

56% accepted 32% graduate $49,694 earnings

Bethany's full profile

#24

Central Christian College of Kansas

McPherson, KS · 380 students · Private nonprofit

Central Christian College of Kansas may be smaller, with just 380 students, but it cultivates a tight community where every voice can be heard. The college has a graduation rate of 25%, which poses challenges, but it's important to note that over half of its students receive Pell Grants, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity for those from lower-income families.

53% accepted 25% graduate $44,468 earnings

Central's full profile

#25

Haskell Indian Nations University

Lawrence, KS · 978 students · Public

Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, is a unique institution dedicated to serving Native American students. With a strong sense of community and a 90% acceptance rate, it welcomes a diverse student body, including 65% Pell Grant recipients, which speaks to its commitment to accessibility and support for students from various backgrounds.

90% accepted 31% graduate $37,043 earnings

Haskell's full profile

When looking at the data, a notable trend emerges between Kansas State University and Newman University. Kansas State graduates earn an average of $57,262, while Newman graduates earn slightly less at $55,041. However, Kansas State also has a higher graduation rate of 71% compared to Newman’s 53%. This indicates that while Newman may still offer solid earnings, Kansas State may provide a more reliable path to completing the degree.

Now that you've seen the rankings, consider your own priorities. Are you willing to take on more debt for a program with higher earning potential? Or is a lower net price more appealing, even if it comes with a tradeoff in graduation rates? Think about the program fit and campus environment too; these factors are just as crucial as the numbers.

Ultimately, the data here illustrates that the path from graduate school to stable employment is not just about choosing the highest-ranked program. For many families, it's about the specific outcomes that align with their financial goals and personal circumstances. A careful analysis of earnings versus debt can guide you toward a decision that balances education and financial stability.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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