Kansas Student Loans, Financial Aid & College Costs
Kansas College Cost Snapshot (2025-26)
Published tuition and cost-of-attendance averages across Kansas institutions.
Top Kansas Colleges by Published Tuition (2025-26)
Tuition and fees only. Click any column header to sort.
| School ↕ | Type ↕ | In-state T&F ↕ | Out-of-state T&F ↕ | Undergrad Enroll. ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | Public 4-yr | $11,708 | $29,448 | 19,600 |
| Kansas State University | Public 4-yr | $11,026 | $28,500 | 15,100 |
| Wichita State University | Public 4-yr | $9,708 | $20,808 | 12,500 |
| Pittsburg State University | Public 4-yr | $8,470 | $20,610 | 5,500 |
| Emporia State University | Public 4-yr | $7,550 | $19,030 | 4,000 |
| Fort Hays State University | Public 4-yr | $6,240 | $18,570 | 14,300 |
| Washburn University | Public 4-yr | $9,206 | $19,382 | 5,800 |
| Johnson County CC | Community | $3,400 | $8,200 | 17,000 |
Kansas State-Funded Aid Programs
Administered by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR).
Kansas Comprehensive Grant
Need-based grant for KS residents at eligible KS public or private institutions.
Kansas State Scholarship
For designated 'State Scholars' (top-ranking KS high school grads) attending KS institutions.
Kansas Adult Learner Grant
For KS residents 25 and older seeking a bachelor's degree.
Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship
Forgivable scholarship for KS residents pursuing teaching degrees in high-need subjects.
Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship
Forgivable scholarship for KS nursing students who commit to work in KS.
Student Loan Options for Kansas Students
Start with federal aid before considering private loans. Federal borrower protections are stronger and rates are fixed.
Does Kansas have a state student loan program?
No. Kansas does not run a state nonprofit student lender. About a dozen states do — including MEFA (Massachusetts), RISLA (Rhode Island), Minnesota SELF, the Bank of North Dakota DEAL Student Loan, VSAC (Vermont), CHESLA (Connecticut), NJCLASS (New Jersey), ISL Education Lending (Iowa), NHHEAF/Granite State (New Hampshire), FAME (Maine), and Kentucky's Advantage Education Loan. These programs often price below major private banks. Kansas residents should lean on federal loans first, then compare private lenders directly.
The order to follow
- File the FAFSA to unlock federal Pell Grants, Kansas state grants, and Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans.
- Apply scholarships and 529 savings before borrowing a dollar. Every $1,000 in free aid saves roughly $1,400 in total loan cost over 10 years.
- Max federal Direct Loans next. Fixed rates, income-driven repayment, and forgiveness programs aren't available on private loans.
- Compare private student loans only for any remaining gap. Shop at least 3 lenders; cosigner rates typically run 1-3 points lower.
Private Student Loan Lenders We Recommend
If you've exhausted federal aid and still need to borrow, these are the lenders we track for rates and terms.
Credible
One form, prequalified offers from multiple private lenders. Shop rates without multiple hard credit pulls.
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Long-established lender with options for undergraduate, graduate, and career training programs.
See Sallie Mae Rates →Advertiser disclosure: The College Investor earns a commission from some of the lenders listed above. Our rankings are independent — compensation does not influence order or editorial recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Kansas students and families.
How much does college cost in Kansas?
Average in-state tuition and fees at Kansas public four-year universities is about $10,400 for 2025-26. Total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses) averages roughly $23,400 on campus for Kansas residents and $33,200 for non-residents.
What is the average student loan debt in Kansas?
Kansas borrowers carry an average federal student loan balance of roughly $32,700. Total outstanding federal student debt for Kansas residents is approximately $12.2 billion.
Does Kansas offer state-funded college grants?
Yes. Kansas administers the Comprehensive Grant (need-based), KS State Scholarship (merit), Career Technical Workforce Grant, and forgivable scholarships for teaching and nursing.
Does Kansas have a state student loan program?
No. Kansas does not operate a state nonprofit student lender. About a dozen states do, including Massachusetts (MEFA), Rhode Island (RISLA), Minnesota (SELF), North Dakota (DEAL), and Kentucky (Advantage Education Loan). Kansas residents should start with federal student loans through the FAFSA and compare private lenders for any remaining gap financing.
Which Kansas colleges have the lowest in-state tuition?
KS community colleges average $3,400 per year. Fort Hays State is the lowest four-year public at $6,240, followed by Emporia State. KU is the highest in-state public at $11,708.
What scholarships are available for Kansas residents?
Key awards include Kansas Comprehensive Grant, State Scholarship, Career Technical Workforce Grant, KS Teacher Service Scholarship, and Nursing Service Scholarship.
Related Kansas Resources
How We Sourced This Data
- Institutional cost pages at Kansas public universities (2025-26 published rates)
- Education Data Initiative state-level debt and cost tables
- KBOR program pages
- NCES IPEDS data for enrollment and institutional cost profiles
Editor: Clint Proctor Reviewed by: Chris Muller