What Are the Four-Year Universities in Kansas and How Do They Compare?

Kansas has a mix of public and private four-year universities, and the right one depends on what you want to study, where you want to live, and what you can pay. The state's best-known public options include the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Fort Hays State University, Emporia State University, and Pittsburg State University. Private four-year schools include Baker University, Benedictine College, Bethany College, Friends University, Kansas Wesleyan University, McPherson College, Newman University, Ottawa University, Southwestern College, Sterling College, and Washburn University (which is public but municipally governed). This guide explains how they differ and how to narrow the list.

Public vs. private four-year universities in Kansas

The biggest structural difference is funding and governance.

• Public universities are state-supported (Washburn is an exception, governed by the city of Topeka). They tend to be larger, offer more majors and research, and have lower sticker tuition for Kansas residents.
• Private universities are funded mainly by tuition, donations, and endowments. They are often smaller, may have religious affiliations, and frequently discount tuition through scholarships, so the published price is not always what students pay.

For any school, compare net price (cost after grants and scholarships), not just the listed tuition.

Main four-year universities at a glance

Locations matter for internships, commuting, and cost of living. Wichita, Kansas City-area schools, and Lawrence/Manhattan offer different job markets and campus cultures.

How to compare schools on the dimensions that matter

Use the same criteria for every school so the comparison is fair.

1. Academic fit

• Does the school offer your intended major, and is that program a strength there?
• For example, Wichita State emphasizes applied learning through internships, co-ops, and mentorships, and highlights research through more than 30 centers and institutes. If hands-on industry experience is your priority, that model is worth weighing against a more traditional liberal arts approach.

2. Cost and aid

• Compare net price calculators on each school's website.
• Kansas residents should check state grant and scholarship programs; out-of-state students often pay higher public tuition but may qualify for regional tuition exchanges.
• Wichita State states that it is among the most affordable four-year colleges and universities in the U.S., which is a claim to verify against your own aid package.

3. Size and setting

• Large public universities (KU, K-State, WSU) offer more course variety and research but larger classes.
• Small private colleges offer smaller classes and closer faculty contact but fewer majors.

4. Transfer and credit policies

• If you are transferring from a Kansas community college, ask how credits map to your intended degree.
• Wichita State notes it has been the top four-year transfer destination for Kansas college students for 15 straight years and offers a Transfer Gateway tool to see how existing credits apply. Similar tools exist at other Kansas schools.

5. Outcomes

• Look at graduation rates, job placement, and internship requirements for your specific program, not just the university overall.

A practical way to narrow your list

1. List your must-haves: major, location, budget, campus size.
2. Shortlist 4–6 schools that meet the must-haves.
3. Run the net price calculator for each.
4. Visit or take a virtual tour — Wichita State, for example, offers an interactive virtual tour and visit scheduling.
5. Talk to current students or recent graduates in your intended major.
6. Compare financial aid offers side by side before deciding.

Common questions

Are all Kansas four-year universities public? No. KU, K-State, WSU, Fort Hays, Emporia State, and Pittsburg State are state universities. Washburn is public but city-governed. Baker, Benedictine, Friends, Newman, Kansas Wesleyan, McPherson, Ottawa, Southwestern, Sterling, and Bethany are private.

Does Wichita State count as a four-year university? Yes. Wichita State University is a four-year public research university in Wichita, Kansas, focused on innovation, applied learning, and research.

What if I'm transferring? Check each school's transfer credit policy and use tools like Wichita State's Transfer Gateway to see how your credits apply before you apply.

How do I know which is "best"? There is no single best school. The best fit is the one that matches your major, budget, location preference, and learning style. Compare the same factors across every school on your list.