Best Online Colleges in Kansas

Featuring more than 70 fully online and accredited programs, Kansas State University ranks as the best online college in Kansas. In addition to certificates, distance learners can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields such as animal science, electrical and computer engineering, personal financial planning, and youth development.

In an effort to make online education even more accessible, K-State offers scholarships specifically for students pursuing their undergraduate or graduate degree online. To receive consideration for one or more of the university's Global Campus Scholarships, online learners complete only one application per year. The university awards scholarships on the basis of financial need and academic merit, and additional funding is available to military service members, teachers, and female students.

Admission requirements vary across online programs, but undergraduate applicants typically must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some bachelor's programs may also require ACT or SAT scores. Prospective graduate learners generally need a bachelor's degree and may also need to submit letters of recommendation and GRE or GMAT scores.

Through its Virtual College, Fort Hays State University provides a convenient and flexible path to undergraduate and graduate degrees. Offerings cover areas such as agricultural business, human health and performance, medical diagnostic imaging, and tourism and hospitality management. Online certificate programs at the university enable students to develop discrete professional skills in fields such as criminal justice, informatics, and nursing.

Online applicants must meet the same admission requirements as those who plan to study on campus. Prospective undergraduates must have a high school diploma with at least a 2.0 GPA. In addition, they must either rank within the top one-third of their high school class or earn a composite ACT score of least 21 (or an SAT score of at least 1080). Graduate applicants must submit bachelor's transcripts, letters of recommendation, and entrance exam scores.

While online learners at FHSU qualify for state and federal aid, they may not be eligible for certain academic and transfer scholarships.

At the University of Kansas, online students can explore subjects such as applied behavioral science, civil engineering, environmental geology, and occupational therapy. Many degrees and certificates at the university also offer a hybrid format, giving learners the option to supplement their online education with classroom learning experiences.

Online courses at KU run for four, eight, and 16 weeks and cost the same as on-campus classes. While students must meet weekly reading and assignment deadlines, they can study on their own schedule. In addition, all instructors host both physical and online office hours. The college facilitates student engagement and collaboration in online courses through discussion boards, wikis, and chat rooms.

To qualify for undergraduate admission, you typically must possess at least a 3.0 high school GPA and a 24 ACT score (or an SAT score of 1160). Applicants with a 3.25 GPA or higher may earn admission with a composite ACT score as low as 21 (or 1060 on the SAT).

Along with administering regional campuses across the country, Emporia State University provides online access to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in business administration, early childhood education, instructional design and technology, and quantitative economics. The university delivers online coursework asynchronously, making it easier to schedule your learning around personal or professional obligations.

ESU offers a host of support services to online students. In addition to 24/7 technical support, distance learners can take advantage of individual academic and enrollment advising, web-based tutoring and study skills workshops, and writing and research assistance through an online lab.

To apply to ESU as an undergraduate, you must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. You must also hold a 2.0 high school GPA or higher and meet at least one of the following requirements: graduating within the top one-third of your high school class, an ACT score of at least 21, or an SAT score of at least 1060.

Online programs at Wichita State University equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in fields such as business administration, dental hygiene, homeland security, and special education. A fully online degree completion program also gives learners the opportunity to quickly earn a bachelor's by transferring credits from other colleges or universities and studying at their own pace. Military personnel may also receive college credit for their training and service.

WSU places a premium on experiential learning and encourages all students to participate in internships, clinical placements, and field-based capstone projects. In many cases, online learners can even earn credit for applying their classroom learning to new projects and initiatives at their current places of employment.

Although first-year applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores, WSU does not require prospective students over the age of 21 to take an entrance exam. To receive credit for prior college-level coursework, transfer applicants must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in these classes.

A university grounded in Catholic values and traditions, Newman University offers eight online bachelor's and master's degrees in data analytics, organizational leadership, theological studies, and education. Online students may also choose to pursue a bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies, working closely with an academic advisor to customize their undergraduate experience.

Online classes at NU begin every eight weeks, allowing students to schedule their coursework around busy times at work or home. Online learners may also take evening and weekend classes at the university's main campus in Wichita or one of five satellite locations in Kansas, Colorado, and Oklahoma.

The university's interdisciplinary studies program caters to working professionals. Prospective students must hold at least 30 credits from another accredited institution and graduate from high school at least eight years before applying. Other undergraduate programs at NU require high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.

Graduate applicants must possess a bachelor's degree, usually with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Regardless of where they live, all online students at Pittsburg State University pay the equivalent of in-state tuition. In addition, roughly 80% of all learners at the university receive some form of financial aid, including scholarships made available specifically to transfer students, the children of Pitt State alumni, and aspiring teachers and nurses.

Online programs of study include construction technology management, human resource development, sport and leisure service management, and environmental education. Pitt State also hosts hundreds of individual distance education courses and online certificates in autism spectrum disorders and language arts instruction.

Undergraduate applicants must submit official copies of their high school transcripts, though Pitt State does not require ACT or SAT scores. Individuals applying to master's programs must hold a bachelor's degree, while those applying to specialist and doctoral programs must hold a master's. Graduate programs in business may additionally require at least three years of relevant managerial experience.

Since its founding in 1865, Ottawa University has prepared students for lives defined by faith, service, and leadership. Today, the Christian university operates campuses in Kansas, Arizona, and Wisconsin and offers fully online programs to learners around the world. Both bachelor's and master's degrees at OU can be earned entirely at a distance, with online programs available in areas such as addiction counseling, finance, management of information systems, and public safety.

Each online class at the university runs for eight weeks. Students can connect with their classmates and instructors through the Blackboard learning management system, and professors respond to all student emails within 24 hours.

First-year applicants must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. If you do not possess a high school diploma, you must receive a score of at least 450 on the GED and submit an essay outlining your academic experience and goals. While not required for admission, prospective students with a GED diploma must submit entrance exam scores to receive consideration for institutional scholarships.

Welcoming students from all evangelical faith traditions, Barclay College offers online associate and bachelor's degrees in biblical studies, Christian leadership, and pastoral ministries. Students who hope to embark on secular career paths may instead choose to earn an online degree in either business administration or psychology.

Online classes open every six weeks, and learners can take breaks from their coursework whenever needed. Before enrolling in an online course, Barclay requires all students to complete a two-week, web-based orientation program that explains how to navigate the college's online portal, submit assignments, and communicate with both classmates and instructors. There is no charge for this program.

Online applicants must hold a high school diploma with at least a 2.0 GPA, though Barclay does not require ACT or SAT scores. Prospective students must also demonstrate a commitment to the Christian mission of the college.

Online students who enroll full time may qualify for a scholarship worth up to $600 per semester.

A Christian university of Quaker heritage, Friends University hosts both bachelor's and master's programs in elementary education, computer science and information systems, cybersecurity, and healthcare leadership. Business administration students can also elect to enroll in the university's 4+1 program, earning both a bachelor's and master's degree online in just five years of study.

Friends is deeply committed to the academic and professional success of students. Coaches and advisors provide personalized advice to online and in-person learners, helping them choose a major, identify internship opportunities, craft resumes and cover letters, and prepare for interviews. Online students can also participate in a job shadowing program with Friends alumni in their area.

To enter a bachelor's program, you must possess a high school diploma and take either the ACT or SAT. Applicants typically must hold at least a 2.0 high school GPA and an ACT score of at least 18, though prospective students who do not meet these requirements may still apply for conditional admission.