# Best Master's Programs in Kansas

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 25 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-kansas

## Methodology

Master's programs in Kansas ranked by graduate outcomes

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Fort Hays State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fort-hays-state-university) | Hays, KS | 48% | $48,928 | $12,569 | $21,000 | 0.43x |
| 2 | [Pittsburg State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pittsburg-state-university) | Pittsburg, KS | 57% | $50,579 | $15,784 | $18,969 | 0.38x |
| 3 | [University of Kansas](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-kansas) | Lawrence, KS | 69% | $61,945 | $18,059 | $21,000 | 0.34x |
| 4 | [Wichita State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wichita-state-university) | Wichita, KS | 51% | $51,532 | $13,194 | $20,500 | 0.4x |
| 5 | [Newman University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/newman-university) | Wichita, KS | 53% | $55,041 | $19,971 | $20,801 | 0.38x |
| 6 | [Emporia State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/emporia-state-university) | Emporia, KS | 55% | $47,601 | $16,261 | $19,500 | 0.41x |
| 7 | [Kansas State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kansas-state-university) | Manhattan, KS | 71% | $57,262 | $19,406 | $21,250 | 0.37x |
| 8 | [Benedictine College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/benedictine-college) | Atchison, KS | 63% | $53,175 | $27,891 | $24,599 | 0.46x |
| 9 | [Baker University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/baker-university) | Baldwin City, KS | 59% | $63,855 | $25,301 | $25,000 | 0.39x |
| 10 | [Hesston College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hesston-college) | Hesston, KS | 59% | $47,495 | $26,299 | $12,000 | 0.25x |
| 11 | [McPherson College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mcpherson-college) | McPherson, KS | 44% | $52,084 | $26,441 | $25,242 | 0.48x |
| 12 | [MidAmerica Nazarene University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/midamerica-nazarene-university) | Olathe, KS | 49% | $62,972 | $32,165 | $15,000 | 0.24x |
| 13 | [Friends University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/friends-university) | Wichita, KS | 52% | $52,113 | $27,715 | $25,000 | 0.48x |
| 14 | [Tabor College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tabor-college) | Hillsboro, KS | 33% | $54,058 | $20,205 | $23,887 | 0.44x |
| 15 | [Washburn University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/washburn-university) | Topeka, KS | 53% | $49,774 | $15,280 | $18,127 | 0.36x |
| 16 | [University of Saint Mary](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-saint-mary) | Leavenworth, KS | 46% | $59,483 | $22,519 | $22,018 | 0.37x |
| 17 | [Donnelly College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/donnelly-college) | Kansas City, KS | 42% | $35,715 | $11,476 | $11,842 | 0.33x |
| 18 | [Ottawa University-Ottawa](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ottawa-university-ottawa) | Ottawa, KS | 28% | $55,552 | $27,963 | $21,500 | 0.39x |
| 19 | [Southwestern College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southwestern-college-ks) | Winfield, KS | 35% | $55,646 | $29,824 | $25,000 | 0.45x |
| 20 | [Bethel College-North Newton](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bethel-college-north-newton) | North Newton, KS | 42% | $49,898 | $32,917 | $24,000 | 0.48x |
| 21 | [Sterling College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sterling-college) | Sterling, KS | 34% | $45,846 | $22,371 | $24,625 | 0.54x |
| 22 | [Kansas Wesleyan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/kansas-wesleyan-university) | Salina, KS | 43% | $51,152 | $22,671 | $23,250 | 0.45x |
| 23 | [Bethany College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bethany-college) | Lindsborg, KS | 32% | $49,694 | $27,686 | $23,250 | 0.47x |
| 24 | [Central Christian College of Kansas](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-christian-college-of-kansas) | McPherson, KS | 25% | $44,468 | $11,404 | $27,000 | 0.61x |
| 25 | [Haskell Indian Nations University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/haskell-indian-nations-university) | Lawrence, KS | 31% | $37,043 | $3,134 | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Master's Programs in Kansas." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-kansas

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.