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Best Nursing Schools in Kansas: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

February 26, 2026

Explore Kansas nursing schools with tuition starting at $2,328/year. Compare 20 accredited programs from community colleges to universities with admission rates and graduate earnings data.

Overview of Nursing Education in Kansas

Kansas offers prospective nursing students 20 accredited programs across the state, with options ranging from affordable community college Associate's degrees to university Bachelor's and advanced degrees. Whether you're a high school graduate, career changer, or working professional, Kansas nursing schools provide multiple pathways into one of the nation's fastest-growing healthcare professions.

The state's nursing education landscape includes:

8 community colleges offering 2-year Associate's degrees (ADN)
12 universities offering 4-year Bachelor's degrees and advanced nursing degrees
Tuition range: $2,328–$38,480 per year
Nursing graduate earnings: $49,983–$156,139 annually (varies by degree level and specialization)

Most Kansas nursing programs are ACEN or CCNE accredited, meaning graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) or NCLEX-PN (Practical Nurse) licensing exams. This guide will help you understand your options and find the program that fits your goals and budget.

Top University Nursing Programs in Kansas

University of Kansas (Lawrence)

Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Tuition: $11,700/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 88.2%
Graduation Rate: 68.0%
Enrollment: 19,857 students
Graduate Earnings: $156,139/year (First Professional Degree)

The University of Kansas is Kansas's largest nursing program and offers one of the highest earning potential outcomes for graduates. With a solid 88.2% acceptance rate, KU is accessible to qualified applicants while maintaining academic rigor. The 68% graduation rate is strong for a 4-year program, and KU's nursing graduates earn significantly above the national average, reflecting the program's reputation and the university's research opportunities.

Wichita State University (Wichita)

Program Type: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Tuition: $9,322/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 94.9%
Graduation Rate: 51.5%
Enrollment: 10,493 students
Graduate Earnings: $92,743/year (Doctoral Degree)

Wichita State offers one of Kansas's most accessible nursing pathways with a 94.9% acceptance rate and the lowest tuition among 4-year universities at $9,322/year. WSU's doctoral nursing program prepares advanced practice nurses, and graduates earn $92,743 annually. The university's location in Kansas's second-largest city provides excellent clinical placement opportunities.

Fort Hays State University (Hays)

Program Type: Master's Degree in Nursing
Tuition: $5,633/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 91.8%
Graduation Rate: 49.2%
Enrollment: 9,792 students
Graduate Earnings: $99,232/year (Master's Degree)

Fort Hays State offers the lowest tuition of any 4-year Kansas university at just $5,633/year, making it an exceptional value for nursing education. The 91.8% acceptance rate welcomes qualified students, and graduates earn $99,232 annually. FHSU's rural location in northwest Kansas means strong community connections and clinical opportunities in underserved areas.

Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg)

Program Type: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Tuition: $8,008/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 88.2%
Graduation Rate: 56.5%
Enrollment: 4,162 students
Graduate Earnings: $97,975/year (Doctoral Degree)

Pittsburg State combines affordability ($8,008/year) with strong graduation outcomes (56.5%). The DNP program prepares advanced practice nurses for leadership roles, and the 88.2% acceptance rate makes it accessible to qualified applicants. Graduates earn $97,975 annually.

Washburn University (Topeka)

Program Type: Graduate Certificate in Nursing
Tuition: $9,578/year (in-state)
Graduation Rate: 53.4%
Enrollment: 4,093 students
Graduate Earnings: $126,830/year (Graduate Certificate)

Washburn's graduate nursing programs serve working nurses seeking specialization or advanced credentials. With a 53.4% graduation rate and graduate earnings of $126,830/year, Washburn's programs lead to advanced practice roles. Located in Kansas's capital, Washburn offers excellent networking opportunities with state health agencies and hospitals.

Emporia State University (Emporia)

Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Tuition: $7,356/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 97.7%
Graduation Rate: 53.0%
Enrollment: 2,328 students
Graduate Earnings: $52,626/year (Bachelor's Degree)

Emporia State has the highest acceptance rate among Kansas universities at 97.7%, making it the most accessible 4-year option. At $7,356/year, tuition is extremely affordable. While BSN graduates earn $52,626 annually, this entry-level salary reflects the starting point for RN careers with significant growth potential.

Private University Options

Benedictine College (Atchison) — $34,800/year, 76.4% acceptance, 66.5% graduation rate
Baker University (Baldwin City) — $33,900/year, 92.1% acceptance, 53.8% graduation rate
Southwestern College (Winfield) — $38,480/year, 65.0% acceptance, 35.9% graduation rate
MidAmerica Nazarene University (Olathe) — $36,120/year, 73.5% acceptance, 44.3% graduation rate
Ottawa University (Ottawa) — $35,300/year, 80.0% acceptance, 28.6% graduation rate
Kansas Wesleyan University (Salina) — $33,470/year, 85.0% acceptance, 35.6% graduation rate

Private universities in Kansas offer smaller class sizes and faith-based communities, but tuition ranges from $33,470–$38,480/year. Graduation rates vary significantly (28.6%–66.5%), so research program support and clinical placement quality carefully.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Kansas's 8 community colleges offer Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs that cost significantly less than 4-year universities while leading to the same RN licensure exam (NCLEX-RN). ADN graduates can work as registered nurses immediately or pursue a Bachelor's degree later through RN-to-BSN bridge programs.

Most Affordable Options

School	Location	Tuition/Year	Graduate Earnings
Johnson County Community College	Overland Park	$2,328	$53,608
Kansas City Kansas Community College	Kansas City	$3,150	$56,419
Hutchinson Community College	Hutchinson	$3,420	$50,777
Butler Community College	El Dorado	$3,556	$50,600
Garden City Community College	Garden City	$3,570	$57,603
Barton County Community College	Great Bend	$3,616	$49,983
Seward County Community College	Liberal	$3,744	$57,803
Highland Community College	Highland	$4,116	$53,664

Johnson County Community College in Overland Park offers the lowest tuition at $2,328/year and serves 10,634 students, making it Kansas's largest community college. Graduates earn $53,608 annually as RNs.

Cost Comparison: Completing an ADN at Johnson County ($2,328 × 2 years = $4,656) costs less than one year of tuition at most 4-year universities. Many graduates work as RNs while earning their BSN part-time, spreading costs over several years.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Consider Your Goals

If you want to start working as an RN quickly and affordably: Community college ADN programs cost $2,328–$4,116/year and take 2 years. You'll be eligible for RN licensure immediately and can earn while pursuing a Bachelor's degree.

If you want a Bachelor's degree from the start: Public universities offer tuition from $5,633–$11,700/year. Fort Hays State ($5,633) and Emporia State ($7,356) provide exceptional value with 4-year BSN programs.

If you're seeking advanced practice roles (NP, CNS, CRNA): Master's and doctoral programs at Washburn, Fort Hays, Wichita State, and Pittsburg State prepare you for specialized nursing careers with earnings of $92,743–$126,830/year.

Evaluate Graduation Rates

Graduation rates indicate program support and student success. Compare:

Highest: University of Kansas (68.0%), Benedictine College (66.5%)
Mid-range: Pittsburg State (56.5%), Washburn (53.4%), Emporia State (53.0%)
Lower: Southwestern College (35.9%), Kansas Wesleyan (35.6%), Ottawa University (28.6%)

Lower graduation rates may reflect part-time student populations, working students, or less intensive support. Ask programs directly about student demographics and support services.

Location and Clinical Placements

Kansas nursing programs are distributed across the state, providing clinical placements in rural and urban settings. Consider:

Urban programs (Wichita State, Johnson County, Kansas City Kansas CC) offer hospital diversity and specialty placements
Rural programs (Fort Hays, Emporia State, Highland CC) provide strong community health and primary care experience
Regional hubs (Topeka, Lawrence, Olathe) balance urban and rural opportunities

Nursing Job Market in Kansas

Employment Outlook

Kansas faces a nursing shortage, with hospitals and healthcare systems actively recruiting RNs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nursing employment will grow 6–8% nationally through 2032, faster than average job growth. Kansas's aging population and rural healthcare needs create strong demand for nurses.

Salary Expectations by Degree

Associate's Degree (ADN): $49,983–$57,803/year
Bachelor's Degree (BSN): $52,626–$75,181/year
Master's Degree: $94,484–$99,232/year
Doctoral Degree (DNP): $92,743–$97,975/year
Advanced Certificates: $126,830/year

BSN Advantage: Hospitals increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses for leadership and specialty roles. Many offer tuition reimbursement for RNs pursuing BSN degrees, making RN-to-BSN programs attractive.

Major Employers

University of Kansas Medical Center (Kansas City)
Stormont Vail Health (Topeka)
HCA Healthcare facilities (Wichita, Kansas City)
Ascension Via Christi (Wichita)
Rural health clinics and critical access hospitals across Kansas

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Kansas

Federal Aid

FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov to access federal grants, loans, and work-study
Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year (2023–24) for eligible low-income students
Federal Loans: Unsubsidized loans up to $7,000/year for first-year students

Kansas-Specific Programs

Kansas Nursing Student Loan Program: Low-interest loans for Kansas residents attending accredited nursing programs
Health Professions Student Loan Program: Supports students in underserved rural areas
Nursing Education Scholarship Program: Funded by Kansas Board of Regents for qualified applicants

Employer Sponsorship

Many Kansas hospitals offer:

Tuition reimbursement ($2,000–$5,000/year) for employees pursuing nursing degrees
Loan repayment programs for new graduate RNs
Sign-on bonuses ($1,000–$5,000) for experienced nurses

Strategy: Consider applying to work as a nursing assistant or patient care technician while in school—many employers offer tuition benefits after 6–12 months of employment.

Scholarships

National League for Nursing (NLN): Multiple scholarships for nursing students
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): Scholarship database at aacn.nche.edu
State nursing associations: Kansas Nurses Association offers member scholarships
University-specific: Most programs offer merit scholarships for qualified applicants

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

Ready to explore Kansas nursing programs in detail? Visit GradeToGrad's nursing program search to:

Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduation rates side-by-side
Read student reviews and program outcomes
Filter by program type (ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP)
Connect with admissions offices
Build your college comparison list

Action Plan

Identify your pathway: ADN (2 years, affordable) or BSN (4 years, higher earning potential)
List 3–5 programs by location, tuition, and graduation rate
Request information packets from each school's nursing admissions office
Schedule campus visits or virtual information sessions
Complete FAFSA and explore financial aid options
Apply early: Nursing programs fill quickly; submit applications 6–12 months before intended start date
Prepare for TEAS or HESI exam: Most Kansas programs require entrance exams; study guides available free online

Kansas nursing schools provide excellent value and strong job prospects. Whether you choose an affordable community college ADN or a university BSN program, you're investing in a stable, rewarding career in healthcare. Start your research today on GradeToGrad and take the first step toward becoming a registered nurse.