Higher Education & Upskilling

A Catalyst for Future Success

Kansas Universities, Colleges & Internships

Kansas’ higher education and continuing education programs are fertile soil for your growing career. When you choose to come back to Kansas for a degree or to upskill in your industry, you gain access to world-class universities and specialized community & technical colleges. These institutions are dedicated to providing top-notch education, empowering you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

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Facts & Rankings

3,500+

Paid Apprentices Across 150 Occupations Statewide

Kansas Department of Commerce, 2023

$200M

Committed to Funding Engineering Programs at Universities Throughout Kansas, Increasing Undergrad Degrees to 1,500 Annually

Kansas Department of Commerce, 2023

#1

Most Affordable Research University in the Region (Wichita State University)

Wichita State University, 2023

2

Universities in the Top 100 Public Schools in the US (University of Kansas and Kansas State University)

US News & World Report, 2023

A Diverse Landscape of Higher Education Excellence and Innovation

Kansas boasts an impressive higher education landscape with seven state universities, each offering distinct advantages and opportunities to students.

Providing students with a vibrant intellectual community at the precipice of innovation are research institutions such as Emporia State University, the University of Kansas and Kansas State University — the latter of which invested $203.8 million into groundbreaking initiatives in 2021.

Student-centered institutions like Fort Hays State University offer affordable education with low student-to-teacher ratios. Meanwhile, Washburn University’s cost-effective education extends in-state tuition privileges to students from Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Whether you’re seeking diverse educational experiences such as Pittsburg State University’s 2+2 transfer initiative or Wichita State University’s top 20 R&D engineering program in the U.S. — Kansas feeds all who are hungry for knowledge.

–Emporia State University

–Fort Hays State University

–Kansas State University

–Pittsburg State University

–University of Kansas

–Washburn University

–Wichita State University

Educating the Leaders of Kansas

Kansas has a variety of private colleges and universities located across the state. Whether you are seeking a smaller campus, a specific field of study, or a spiritual experience, our post-secondary education system is sure to provide you what you are looking for!

Baker University – Baldwin City
Barclay College – Haviland
Benedictine College – Atchison
Bethany College – Lindsborg
Bethel College – North Newton
Central Baptist Theological Seminary – Kansas City
Central Christian College – McPherson
Cleveland University – Kansas City
Donnelly College – Kansas City
Friends University – Wichita
Hesston College – Hesston
Kansas Christian College – Overland Park
Kansas Wesleyan University – Salina
Manhattan Christian College – Manhattan
McPherson College – McPherson
MidAmerica Nazarene University – Olathe
Newman University – Wichita
Ottawa University – Ottawa
Southwestern College – Winfield
Sterling College – Sterling
Tabor College – Hillsboro
University of Saint Mary – Leavenworth

Own Your Career Trajectory

Kansas presents a myriad of exceptional opportunities for career advancement through a wide array of upskilling programs. With seven universities offering continuing education programs like Pittsburg State University’s comprehensive certificate programs for educators and professionals, and Washburn University’s dynamic Tech continuing education offering courses in everything from Automotive to Business Tech, the options are limitless.

In Kansas, you can also take advantage of the groundbreaking On-the-Job Training program developed by KANSASWORKS, designed to support promising candidates in acquiring necessary skills while earning, in qualifying positions, up to 50% reimbursement on wages for employers. And, if you’re currently unemployed the On-the-Job Training program can also help you gain valuable skills and secure permanent, full-time employment, propelling you towards a stable, fulfilling career path. KANSASWORKS also offers alternative training options like paid apprenticeships where you can acquire coveted skills and credentials by clocking in with another skilled professional. An impressive 92% of apprenticeship program completers retain their employment and boast an average annual salary of $72,000.

Interested in Cosmetology or Barber College? Check out the list of available schools in Kansas below!

Schools
Cosmetology Schools in Kansas – PDF List
Approved Barber Colleges

Boards
Kansas Board of Cosmetology
Kansas Board of Barbering

Broadening Your Options

Regardless of what stage of life you’re in, community colleges throughout Kansas offer unique opportunities to flourish. The state’s 19 public community colleges deliver specialized training in fields ranging from information technology and agriculture to business, nursing, fine arts, and education.

– Barton Community College offers in-person and online courses to complete one of four associate degrees and short-term training opportunities and military programs to enhance your skills and meet business standards in select industries.

– Seward County Community College‘s 45 programs of study, from Adult Basic Education to applied sciences degrees, have earned it a spot in the top 5% of community colleges in the US by the Aspen Institute.

For those seeking quick, practical career advancement, Kansas’ seven technical colleges are excellent options. Consistently ranking among the top 10% in the nation for two-year colleges, these institutions offer tailored programs in areas like agriculture, aviation and design and drafting, guaranteeing a bright future in your chosen field.

Several skill development programs also facilitate access to diverse pathways to earn an associate or technical degree at learning centers throughout the state.

– Qualified individuals aspiring to excel in high-demand industries such as healthcare, computer science, manufacturing, agriculture and more can connect with Level Up Kansas — a program that offers comprehensive education and training, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for success in their chosen fields.

– Build Up Kansas opens avenues for individuals to pursue rewarding careers in construction management, engineering, and other lucrative professions.

Allen Community College
Barton Community College
Butler Community College
Cloud County Community College
Coffeyville Community College
Colby Community College
Cowley Community College
Dodge City Community College
Flint Hills Technical College
Fort Scott Community College
Garden City Community College
Hays Academy of Hair Design – Hays Campus
Hays Academy of Hair Design – Salina Campus
Highland Community College
Hutchinson Community College
Independence Community College
Johnson County Community College
Kansas City Kansas Community College
Labette Community College
Manhattan Area Technical College
Neosho County Community College
North Central Kansas Technical College – Beloit Campus
North Central Kansas Technical College – Hays Campus
Northwest Kansas Technical College
Pratt Community College
Salina Area Technical College
Seward County Community College
Washburn Institute of Technology
Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

Sealed With a

I grew up in Independence, KS, and attended Tabor College. I completed my PhD in Computer Science at the University of Kansas. After working at Sprint and Bethel College, I taught for fifteen years at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where I helped many students launch software businesses. In 2020 I received a call from the Tabor College Chair of the Board of Directors, inviting me to apply to be President at Tabor College. I returned in 2021. One of my efforts has been launching the Central Kansas Entrepreneurship Center at Tabor College. We recently were awarded $2.86 million in federal appropriations to help us build a ~$10 million business and entrepreneurship center at Tabor College. We have students from 39 states and 28 countries. Many of them are involved in launching companies, some of which will stay in Kansas.