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Key Takeaways
Best artificial intelligence degree programs: Wichita State, Southwestern College, Benedictine College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $2,432 to $38,330/year
Butler Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,090/yr
Artificial Intelligence degree programs available: 2 associate's, 2 master's in Kansas
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Kansas community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Garmin, Sprint, Cerner, Koch Industries
Tech hubs in Kansas City and Wichita
Hakia Research 2026
Artificial Intelligence degree programs near 44+ cities across Kansas
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Kansas Artificial Intelligence programs
We rank 8 accredited artificial intelligence programs in Kansas using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Kansas Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Artificial Intelligence Degree Rankings in Kansas
Compare the top-ranked Artificial Intelligence programs in Kansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in artificial intelligence, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Butler Community College, Barton County Community C..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Kansas offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $2,761/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $50,787 in Kansas.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Kansas's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Garmin, Sprint, Cerner hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among artificial intelligence schools in Kansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their artificial intelligence degrees in Kansas.
Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for artificial intelligence education, with 4 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Wichita State, Southwestern College, Benedictine College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Kansas artificial intelligence programs earn a median salary of $78,489, 20% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Garmin, Sprint, Cerner.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,247 to $38,330 annually, with an average of $28,194/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 85%, with the highest reaching 96%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Kansas's leading technology employers. For students seeking artificial intelligence degrees in Kansas, these top-ranked artificial intelligence schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 2 master's degree programs in artificial intelligence, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Wichita State, Emporia State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Kansas earn a median salary of $92,340, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Garmin, Sprint, Cerner actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $6,395/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Kansas's artificial intelligence schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Artificial Intelligence Degree Costs & Tuition in Kansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $17,692/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $44,230/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,423/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $106,152 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $26,538 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Artificial Intelligence Students in Kansas
State Aid Programs
Kansas students pursuing artificial intelligence degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support. The federal government offers grants and loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at Federal Student Aid. Additionally, Kansas provides the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, a need-based aid program specifically designed for students enrolled at Kansas independent institutions. This state-level support supplements federal aid and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible students. The Kansas Board of Regents administers this program and publishes detailed eligibility requirements and application deadlines on their financial aid portal.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond grants, many Kansas institutions offering AI programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based awards. Public universities in the state, including those ranked among the best artificial intelligence bachelor's programs nationwide, often feature competitive scholarship packages for high-achieving students. Students should also explore federal loan options through StudentAid.gov and contact individual institutions' financial aid offices for school-specific opportunities. For those considering related fields, resources on machine learning programs in Kansas and data science degrees in Kansas may reveal additional funding pathways through interdisciplinary scholarships.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator, Kansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree in Kansas. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,967,896
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$147,619
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Artificial Intelligence Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Kansas metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $102K |
| Wichita | $97K |
| Overland Park | $92K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Artificial Intelligence Graduates in Kansas
Find artificial intelligence jobs in Kansas. These major employers across Kansas metro areas are actively hiring artificial intelligence degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Overland Park
KSArtificial Intelligence Jobs in Wichita
KSTransfer Pathways for Artificial Intelligence Degrees in Kansas
State Transfer System
Kansas provides structured transfer pathways through the Kansas Transfer Equivalency System, which establishes systemwide course transfer agreements enabling seamless progression from community colleges to four-year universities. With 3 community colleges currently offering associate's degrees in artificial intelligence, students can begin their AI education at affordable institutions like Butler Community College ($3,090 tuition) and Barton County Community College ($2,432 tuition) before transferring to bachelor's programs (Kansas Board of Regents). This pathway reduces total education costs while allowing students to complete foundational coursework in supportive community college environments. The transfer system ensures that credits earned at community colleges apply directly toward bachelor's degrees at four-year institutions across Kansas.
How Transfers Work
Students planning to transfer should consult the Kansas Transfer Equivalency System database to identify course equivalencies before enrolling. Community college graduates are guaranteed admission to Kansas public universities when meeting transfer requirements, removing barriers to continued education. After completing an associate's degree, students can transition to bachelor's programs at top Kansas schools including Wichita State University and the University of Kansas, then potentially pursue master's degrees at the state's 2 master's-offering institutions. Explore related pathways through data science, computer science, and machine learning programs, which follow similar transfer structures. This coordinated system maximizes affordability and flexibility for Kansas AI students across all educational levels.
Why Pursue an Artificial Intelligence Degree in Kansas?
Industry & Workforce
Kansas offers a strong artificial intelligence education landscape with 12 institutions currently offering AI programs across multiple degree levels (IPEDS). Students can choose from 3 associate's programs, 7 bachelor's programs, and 2 master's programs, providing flexible pathways to enter this rapidly growing field. The state's higher education system is well-positioned to prepare graduates for careers in AI, with institutions ranging from community colleges to research-focused universities. Whether you're seeking an affordable entry point or advanced specialization, Kansas schools deliver quality AI education at competitive costs.
Salary Outlook
Kansas's major tech hubs, including Wichita, Kansas City, and the Lawrence area, host significant employers investing in artificial intelligence and technology innovation. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is just $7,625, well below the national average, making AI education accessible to more students (Kansas Board of Regents). Top-ranked programs like Wichita State University, which leads the state with 345 completions, combine affordability with strong outcomes. Students can also explore related fields through Kansas offerings in machine learning, data science, and computer science to build comprehensive technical expertise. With quality programs, affordable tuition, and growing regional demand, Kansas presents an excellent choice for AI education.
Artificial Intelligence Program Availability in Kansas
Source: IPEDS 2024
Artificial Intelligence Job Market & Salary Data in Kansas
Employment Outlook
Kansas has developed a growing artificial intelligence job market with strong opportunities across multiple metropolitan areas. The state's AI sector benefits from established tech corridors in Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, and Lawrence, where major employers are actively recruiting skilled professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas's job market reflects competitive demand for AI specialists, with salaries and growth rates aligned with national technology sector trends. Students graduating from Kansas institutions have access to a diverse employment landscape spanning aerospace, aviation, industrial manufacturing, and higher education sectors.
Salaries by Metro
The state's educational pipeline supports workforce development across all credential levels. Kansas institutions awarded 98 bachelor's degrees, 280 master's degrees, and 19 associate's degrees in artificial intelligence during the most recent reporting period (IPEDS). This production reflects the state's commitment to developing AI talent. Major metropolitan areas including the Kansas City Metro, Wichita, and Topeka regions serve as primary employment hubs. Students interested in understanding salary benchmarks and detailed occupational data can reference the BLS State Occupational Data for Kansas for comprehensive career planning insights.
High-Growth Sectors
Career pathways in Kansas extend beyond traditional computer science roles. Graduates can pursue positions in related fields including data science, machine learning, and data analytics. For comprehensive exploration of career trajectories and complementary degree options, consider reviewing Data Science in Kansas, Machine Learning in Kansas, and Data Analytics in Kansas to understand the full spectrum of technology careers available across the state.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Artificial Intelligence Programs in Kansas
Online Programs
0 available in Kansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Artificial Intelligence Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 177
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 62
- Median Tuition
- $8,600
- Total Programs
- 112
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Kansas: FAQ
What are the best artificial intelligence degree programs in Kansas?
How much do artificial intelligence degree programs cost in Kansas?
What salary can artificial intelligence degree graduates earn in Kansas?
Are there online artificial intelligence degree programs in Kansas?
What companies hire artificial intelligence degree graduates in Kansas?
Is an artificial intelligence degree program worth it in Kansas?
How long do artificial intelligence degree programs take in Kansas?
What financial aid is available for artificial intelligence degree students in Kansas?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Kansas salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.