Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Kansas 2025
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
38 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Manhattan Area Technical College
11 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Friends University
1 cybersecurity graduates annually, 70% graduation rate
- 1.Kansas offers 10+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.Kansas software developers earn median $92,340 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park
- 5.Cost of living index: 86.8% of US average (below average)
Cybersecurity Education in Kansas: Overview
Kansas offers 10 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 95 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park, with major employers including Garmin, Sprint, Cerner.
With a median software developer salary of $92,340 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 86.8% compared to the US average, Kansas offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top cybersecurity programs in the state are led by Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, Manhattan Area Technical College, Friends University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kansas Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology | Wichita, KS | Public | $4,552 | — | 56.7 |
| 2 | Manhattan Area Technical College | Manhattan, KS | Public | $5,976 | — | 46.8 |
| 3 | Friends University | Wichita, KS | Private | $32,108 | 70% | 42.6 |
| 4 | Kansas Wesleyan University | Salina, KS | Private | $32,750 | 69% | 40 |
| 5 | Rasmussen University-Kansas | Topeka, KS | For-Profit | $13,137 | — | 38.7 |
| 6 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | Public | $9,964 | — | 37.9 |
| 7 | Butler Community College | El Dorado, KS | Public | $3,090 | — | 35.3 |
| 8 | Johnson County Community College | Overland Park, KS | Public | $2,400 | — | 32 |
| 9 | Hutchinson Community College | Hutchinson, KS | Public | $2,910 | — | 30.1 |
| 10 | Neosho County Community College | Chanute, KS | Public | $2,976 | — | 27.1 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Kansas: Side-by-Side
| School | Wichita State University-... | Manhattan Area Technical... | Friends | Kansas Wesleyan | Rasmussen University-Kansas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $4,552 | $5,976 | $32,108 | $32,750 | $13,137 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | N/A% | 70% | 69% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 38 | 11 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A | 56% | 85% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | For-Profit |
| Score | 56.7/100 | 46.8/100 | 42.6/100 | 40.0/100 | 38.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Kansas
Kansas offers 3 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Friends University, Kansas Wesleyan University, Kansas State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $64,638 in the Kansas market.
A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Friends | $32,108 | 70% | 1 | 42.6 |
| #2 Kansas Wesleyan | $32,750 | 69% | 4 | 40.0 |
| #3 Kansas State | $9,964 | N/A% | 6 | 37.9 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Kansas
Master's-level cybersecurity programs are limited in Kansas. Consider online graduate programs or neighboring states for advanced study options.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best cybersecurity master's programs for more options beyond Kansas.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Kansas
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Kansas are at Johnson County Community College ($2,400/year), Hutchinson Community College ($2,910/year), Neosho County Community College ($2,976/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kansas's competitive tech salaries.
At Johnson County Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $9,600 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $64,638, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years. See our Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Kansas (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Johnson County Community... | $2,400 | $9,600 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 Hutchinson Community College | $2,910 | $11,640 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 Neosho County Community... | $2,976 | $11,904 | 0.4 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in Kansas
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity programs in Kansas, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
Wichita, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,552 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 38 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 56.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 38 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 56.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (38 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Manhattan Area Technical College
Manhattan, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,976 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 46.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 11 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 46.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (11 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Friends University
Wichita, KS • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $32,108 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 70% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 56%
- • Ranking Score: 42.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 70% graduation rate
- 1 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 42.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (70%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (56% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Friends University offers the #1 ranked cybersecurity program in Kansas and is the only Kansas private institution offering a Bachelor of Science degree in cyber security. The program features a state-of-the-art cyber security lab that is one of only three of its kind at universities nationwide, with recent $1 million investment in technology and labs.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Novacoast, Inc., Knowmadics
Rankings & Recognition
- #1 ranked in the state of Kansas
- Top Ranked Cyber Security Program in Kansas
Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina, KS • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $32,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 69% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 40.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 69% graduation rate
- 4 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 40.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (69%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Rasmussen University-Kansas
Topeka, KS • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $13,137 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 38.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1 cybersecurity graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 38.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Security Analyst opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1212Penetration Tester opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Security Engineer opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Incident Responder
SOC 15-1212Incident Responder opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Kansas City, Wichita, Overland Park
- You're seeking lower cost of living (86.8% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Garmin or Sprint
- You prefer Kansas's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Kansas's 10)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Cybersecurity in Kansas FAQ
Based on 10 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Kansas-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Kansas salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.