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2023 Best Nursing Schools in Kansas

29 Schools Ranked
$42,928 Average Earnings
$24,019 Avg Student Debt

There are so many nursing programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamp with offerings that you might find attractive.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Nursing Degree Search has developed this Best Nursing Schools in Kansas ranking. This report analyzed 29 schools in Kansas to see which ones offered the best programs for nursing students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Nursing Schools in Kansas

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Ottawa University - Kansas City

Overland Park, Kansas
185 Total Awards
$47,843 Average Earnings
$26,604 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Ottawa University - Kansas City to be the best school for nursing students in Kansas. Located in Overland Park, Kansas, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 185 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $26,604 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Ottawa University - Kansas City, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,843 during the early years of their career.

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#2

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas
7,733 Total Awards
$50,693 Average Earnings
$34,045 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means University of Kansas is a great place for nursing students. KU is a large public school situated in Lawrence, Kansas. It awarded 7,733 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from KU accumulate an average of $34,045 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $465. During the early years of their career, KU graduates make an average of $50,693 annually.

Full University of Kansas Report

336 Total Awards
$41,940 Average Earnings
$22,566 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Rasmussen University - Kansas is a great place for nursing students. Rasmussen University - Kansas is a very small private for-profit school situated in Topeka, Kansas. It awarded 336 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $22,566 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $168 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Rasmussen University - Kansas graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,940 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Kansas

389 Total Awards
$36,770 Average Earnings

Out of the 29 schools in Kansas that were part of this year’s ranking, North Central Kansas Technical College landed the # 4 spot on the list. North Central Kansas Technical College is a public institution located in Beloit, Kansas. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 389 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, North Central Kansas Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,770 during the early year of their career.

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3,925 Total Awards
$43,454 Average Earnings
$24,533 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Fort Hays State University. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Nursing Schools in Kansas list. FHSU is a public institution located in Hays, Kansas. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,925 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from FHSU accumulate an average of $24,533 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $159 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, FHSU graduates make an average of $43,454 annually.

Full Fort Hays State University Report

#6

Newman University

Wichita, Kansas
403 Total Awards
$56,885 Average Earnings
$34,486 Avg Student Debt

Newman University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #6 on the list. Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Wichita, Kansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 403 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Newman University accumulate an average of $34,486 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Newman University graduates make an average of $56,885 annually.

Read full report on Newman University

#7

Washburn University

Topeka, Kansas
1,489 Total Awards
$44,384 Average Earnings
$25,734 Avg Student Debt

Washburn University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Kansas ranking. Washburn University is a medium-sized public school situated in Topeka, Kansas. It awarded 1,489 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $25,734 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $207 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Washburn University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,384 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Washburn University

#8

Flint Hills Technical College

Emporia, Kansas
377 Total Awards
$45,297 Average Earnings
$8,338 Avg Student Debt

Flint Hills Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #8 on the list. Flint Hills Technical College is a small public school located in Emporia, Kansas that handed out 377 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Flint Hills Technical College accumulate an average of $8,338 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Flint Hills Technical College graduates make an average of $45,297 annually.

Read full report on Flint Hills Technical College

1,167 Total Awards
$34,587 Average Earnings
$9,208 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Kansas City Kansas Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Located in Kansas City, Kansas, the small public school handed out 1,167 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Kansas City Kansas Community College accumulate an average of $9,208 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Kansas City Kansas Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $34,587 during the early year of their career.

Full Kansas City Kansas Community College Report

#10

Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, Kansas
2,809 Total Awards
$42,711 Average Earnings
$11,446 Avg Student Debt

Johnson County Community College landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Johnson County Community College is a fairly large public school located in Overland Park, Kansas that handed out 2,809 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,446 in student loans. During the early years of their career, JCCC graduates make an average of $42,711 annually.

Read full report on Johnson County Community College

564 Total Awards
$49,657 Average Earnings
$29,398 Avg Student Debt

MidAmerica Nazarene University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Kansas ranking. MNU is located in Olathe, Kansas and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 564 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $29,398 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $446 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, MNU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,657 during the early year of their career.

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#12

Baker University

Baldwin City, Kansas
731 Total Awards
$55,482 Average Earnings
$28,217 Avg Student Debt

Baker University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #12 on the list. Baker is a private not-for-profit institution located in Baldwin City, Kansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 731 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Baker accumulate an average of $28,217 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $282 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Baker graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $55,482 during the early year of their career.

Full Baker University Report

#13

Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson, Kansas
1,608 Total Awards
$38,555 Average Earnings
$12,990 Avg Student Debt

Hutchinson Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #13 on the list. Located in Hutchinson, Kansas, the small public school awarded 1,608 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,990 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Hutchinson Community College graduates make an average of $38,555 annually.

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#14

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, Kansas
1,801 Total Awards
$41,688 Average Earnings
$21,003 Avg Student Debt

Pittsburg State University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Pitt State is a medium-sized public school situated in Pittsburg, Kansas. It awarded 1,801 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,003 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Pitt State graduates make an average of $41,688 annually.

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1,819 Total Awards
$40,673 Average Earnings
$10,279 Avg Student Debt

Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Kansas ranking. Located in Wichita, Kansas, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,819 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from WSU Tech accumulate an average of $10,279 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $159 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, WSU Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,673 during the early year of their career.

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#16

University of Saint Mary

Leavenworth, Kansas
354 Total Awards
$57,534 Average Earnings
$42,387 Avg Student Debt

University of Saint Mary ranked #16 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Kansas list. Leavenworth, Kansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 354 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $42,387 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from University of St. Mary, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $57,534 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Saint Mary Report

#17

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas
3,714 Total Awards
$45,743 Average Earnings
$27,903 Avg Student Debt

Wichita State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #17 on the list. WSU is a fairly large public school situated in Wichita, Kansas. It awarded 3,714 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from WSU accumulate an average of $27,903 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $154. Once they receive their degree, WSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,743 during the early year of their career.

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791 Total Awards
$36,250 Average Earnings
$9,754 Avg Student Debt

Neosho County Community College ranked #18 on this year’s Best Nursing Schools in Kansas list. Neosho County Community College is a public institution located in Chanute, Kansas. The school has a small population, and it awarded 791 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $9,754 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Neosho County Community College graduates make an average of $36,250 annually.

Read full report on Neosho County Community College

#19

Manhattan Area Technical College

Manhattan, Kansas
382 Total Awards
$50,709 Average Earnings
$11,055 Avg Student Debt

Manhattan Area Technical College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. This very small public school is located in Manhattan, Kansas, and it awarded 382 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $11,055 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from MATC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,709 during the early years of their career.

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#20

Dodge City Community College

Dodge City, Kansas
363 Total Awards
$50,338 Average Earnings

Dodge City Community College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Kansas ranking. Dodge City Community College is located in Dodge City, Kansas and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 363 degrees to qualified students.

Once they receive their degree, Dodge City Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,338 during the early year of their career.

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#21

Grantham University

LIttle Rock, Arkansas
1,707 Total Awards
$55,745 Average Earnings
$28,442 Avg Student Debt

Grantham University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Nursing Schools in Kansas ranking. Grantham University is a medium-sized public school located in LIttle Rock, Arkansas that handed out 1,707 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Grantham University accumulate an average of $28,442 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Grantham University graduates make an average of $55,745 annually.

Read full report on Grantham University

410 Total Awards
$53,776 Average Earnings
$8,199 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Seward County Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. This small public school is located in Liberal, Kansas, and it awarded 410 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,199 in student loans. During the early years of their career, SCCC graduates make an average of $53,776 annually.

Full Seward County Community College Report

#23

Cloud County Community College

Concordia, Kansas
471 Total Awards
$38,806 Average Earnings
$9,172 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Cloud County Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for nursing students working. Cloud County Community College is a small public school situated in Concordia, Kansas. It awarded 471 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Cloud County Community College accumulate an average of $9,172 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Cloud County Community College graduates make an average of $38,806 annually.

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#24

Garden City Community College

Garden City, Kansas
656 Total Awards
$37,354 Average Earnings
$11,557 Avg Student Debt

Garden City Community College landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best nursing programs. Garden City Community College is located in Garden City, Kansas and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 656 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,557 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Garden City Community College graduates make an average of $37,354 annually.

Full Garden City Community College Report

#25

Tabor College

Hillsboro, Kansas
161 Total Awards
$43,277 Average Earnings

Tabor College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for nursing students. It came in at #25 on the list. Tabor College is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Hillsboro, Kansas that handed out 161 degrees in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, Tabor graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,277 during the early year of their career.

Full Tabor College Report

Best Nursing Schools in the Plains States Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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