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Key Takeaways
Garmin, Cerner (now Oracle Health), and Koch Industries anchor Kansas's CS job market across the Kansas City metro and Wichita
The KC metro straddles the Kansas-Missouri border, giving graduates access to a combined tech market with Sprint, Garmin HQ, and a growing startup scene
Hakia Research 2026
University of Kansas leads with a 79% graduation rate and CAE-CDE designation at $10,596/yr in-state
Kansas State University holds a CAE-R research designation and costs $9,964/yr, making both flagships accessible under $11,000
Wichita State University offers the best value among four-year publics at $7,247/yr with an 87% CS graduation rate
Located in Wichita's aviation and manufacturing hub, with strong industry ties to aerospace employers
Kansas CS graduates earn a $92,340 median salary, with low cost of living making that go further than in coastal markets
22% projected job growth through 2032, concentrated in the Kansas City and Wichita metro areas
Barton County Community College offers the cheapest CS entry at $2,432/yr, with Butler Community College close behind at $3,090/yr
Both provide associate's degrees with transfer pathways to the state's public universities
Updated June 26, 2026
How we ranked Kansas Computer Science programs
We rank 18 accredited computer science 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.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Science Degree Rankings in Kansas
Compare the top-ranked Computer Science programs in Kansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Science Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in computer science, 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 computer science schools in Kansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer science degrees in Kansas.
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer science education, with 11 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 6 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Kansas, Kansas State, Wichita State, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Kansas computer science 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 $5,542 to $38,330 annually, with an average of $22,575/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 80%, 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 computer science degrees in Kansas, these top-ranked computer science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Show all 9 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Baker University | Baldwin City, KS | Private nonprofit | $34,550 | 58% | 63.4 |
| #7 | Ottawa University-Kansas City | Overland Park, KS | Private nonprofit | $11,976 | — | 58.5 |
| #8 | Ottawa University-Online | Overland Park, KS | Private nonprofit | $11,976 | 43% | 58.2 |
| #9 | Ottawa University-Ottawa | Ottawa, KS | Private nonprofit | $32,380 | 28% | 57.4 |
Best Master's Computer Science Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 3 master's degree programs in computer science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Wichita State, U of Kansas, Kansas 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 $9,269/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 computer science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Computer Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Kansas
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $19,526/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $48,815/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,882/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $117,156 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $29,288 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Science Students in Kansas
State Aid Programs
Kansas students pursuing computer science degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support, beginning with the federal aid system. All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at (Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The FAFSA opens October 1st each year and is the gateway to federal Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and other need-based assistance that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs at Kansas institutions.
Key Programs & Amounts
Kansas also offers state-specific aid through the (Kansas Comprehensive Grant), administered by the (Kansas Board of Regents). This need-based grant program is designed for students attending Kansas independent institutions and can provide substantial support beyond federal aid. Additionally, many Kansas universities offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards specifically for computer science majors. Students should contact financial aid offices at target institutions, such as the University of Kansas, Wichita State University, and Kansas State University, to learn about program-specific scholarships and assistantship opportunities. Many computer science programs also offer graduate assistantships that provide tuition waivers and stipends, making advanced degrees more affordable. The (College Scorecard) allows prospective students to compare net price and aid packages across Kansas institutions to make informed enrollment decisions.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator, Kansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer science 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.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
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.
$133,333
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
Computer Science 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 Computer Science Graduates in Kansas
Find computer science jobs in Kansas. These major employers across Kansas metro areas are actively hiring computer science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Science Jobs in Overland Park
KSComputer Science Jobs in Wichita
KSTransfer Pathways for Computer Science Degrees in Kansas
State Transfer System
Kansas's 28 community colleges offer accessible entry points for computer science education through 19 associate's degree completions annually. The Kansas Transfer Equivalency System provides systemwide course transfer agreements, enabling seamless progression from two-year to four-year institutions. Students completing an associate's degree in computer science or information technology at institutions like Butler Community College ($3,090 tuition) and Barton County Community College ($2,432 tuition) can transfer completed coursework with guaranteed credit at Kansas's 15 bachelor's-granting institutions. This pathway significantly reduces overall education costs while maintaining academic rigor and program quality. The transfer system ensures that credits earned in lower-division courses transfer equitably, preventing duplication and accelerating time-to-degree.
How Transfers Work
Students pursuing the community college transfer route benefit from smaller class sizes, personalized academic advising, and significantly lower tuition costs before transitioning to four-year universities. Transfer-friendly programs at Fort Hays State University ($4,437 tuition) and Emporia State University ($5,542 tuition) actively welcome community college transfers with established articulation agreements. The Kansas Board of Regents maintains comprehensive transfer guides and equivalency databases accessible to students. For students interested in alternative pathways, Computer Science online programs offer flexibility, while related fields like Software Engineering in Kansas provide specialized alternatives. Community college completion also qualifies students for financial aid and scholarship opportunities through Federal Student Aid and state grant programs.
Why Pursue a Computer Science Degree in Kansas?
Industry & Workforce
Kansas offers a strong computer science education landscape with 27 institutions providing programs across all degree levels, from associate's through doctoral studies (IPEDS). The state produced 356 bachelor's degree completions in the most recent academic year, with leading institutions like Wichita State University generating 457 total completions across all degree levels. Students benefit from strong regional tech hubs in Wichita, Overland Park, and the Kansas City Metro area, where major employers including Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, and Koch Industries actively recruit graduates. This proximity to industry creates abundant internship and employment opportunities for computer science students.
Salary Outlook
Affordability is a significant advantage for Kansas computer science students. Public four-year institutions charge an average in-state tuition of just $7,625, substantially below the national average. Top-ranked programs like Wichita State University offer exceptional value at $7,247 annually while maintaining strong completion metrics (College Scorecard). Students interested in online flexibility can explore Computer Science online programs or consider related fields like Software Engineering in Kansas and Cybersecurity in Kansas for specialized career paths. Financial assistance through the Kansas Comprehensive Grant supports eligible students at independent institutions, while federal aid resources are available through Federal Student Aid.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Science Job Market & Salary Data in Kansas
Employment Outlook
Kansas offers a strong job market for computer science graduates, supported by a diverse economy spanning aerospace, agriculture technology, and healthcare sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas's major metropolitan areas including Wichita, Kansas City, and Topeka are experiencing consistent demand for computer science professionals. The state's economy is anchored by major employers like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation, which heavily recruit computer science talent for software development, systems engineering, and digital innovation projects.
Salaries by Metro
The computer science pipeline in Kansas is strengthened by 27 institutions offering programs at various levels, with 356 bachelor's degree completions annually according to IPEDS data. Wichita State University leads the state with 457 total completions across all degree levels, making it a primary talent source for regional employers. The University of Kansas and Kansas State University also contribute significantly to the talent pool, with 140 and 111 completions respectively. These institutions maintain strong connections to state employers, creating natural pathways for internships, cooperative education, and full-time employment opportunities throughout the state's three primary metro regions.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Science Programs in Kansas
Online Programs
2 available in Kansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Science Programs in Other States
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Computer Science Degree Programs in Kansas: FAQ
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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.