Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Kansas 2025
University of Kansas
138 information technology graduates annually, 79% graduation rate
Kansas State University
106 information technology graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Wichita State University
66 information technology graduates annually, 87% graduation rate
- 1.Kansas offers 18+ accredited information technology programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Kansas leads with 79% 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)
Information Technology Education in Kansas: Overview
Kansas offers 18 accredited information technology programs, producing approximately 481 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 information technology programs in the state are led by University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Kansas Information Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Kansas | Lawrence, KS | Public | $10,596 | 79% | 73.3 |
| 2 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | Public | $9,964 | — | 63 |
| 3 | Wichita State University | Wichita, KS | Public | $7,247 | 87% | 62.7 |
| 4 | Washburn University | Topeka, KS | Public | $9,464 | 93% | 60.8 |
| 5 | Fort Hays State University | Hays, KS | Public | $4,437 | — | 50.2 |
| 6 | Ottawa University-Kansas City | Overland Park, KS | Private | $11,976 | — | 49.8 |
| 7 | Manhattan Area Technical College | Manhattan, KS | Public | $5,976 | — | 45.1 |
| 8 | Friends University | Wichita, KS | Private | $32,108 | 70% | 44.2 |
| 9 | Donnelly College | Kansas City, KS | Private | $11,813 | — | 41.1 |
| 10 | Kansas Wesleyan University | Salina, KS | Private | $32,750 | 69% | 40.9 |
| 11 | Ottawa University-Online | Overland Park, KS | Private | $11,976 | — | 39.4 |
| 12 | Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg, KS | Public | $6,128 | — | 39.1 |
| 13 | University of Saint Mary | Leavenworth, KS | Private | $32,750 | 65% | 38.2 |
| 14 | Emporia State University | Emporia, KS | Public | $5,542 | — | 38.2 |
| 15 | Rasmussen University-Kansas | Topeka, KS | For-Profit | $13,137 | — | 38.1 |
| 16 | Ottawa University-Ottawa | Ottawa, KS | Private | $31,900 | 69% | 36.9 |
| 17 | MidAmerica Nazarene University | Olathe, KS | Private | $35,120 | — | 35.7 |
| 18 | Barton County Community College | Great Bend, KS | Public | $2,432 | — | 26.7 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Kansas: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Kansas | Kansas State | Wichita State | Washburn | Fort Hays State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $10,596 | $9,964 | $7,247 | $9,464 | $4,437 |
| Graduation Rate | 79% | N/A% | 87% | 93% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 138 | 106 | 66 | 25 | 50 |
| Acceptance Rate | 88% | 79% | 95% | N/A | 92% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 73.3/100 | 63.0/100 | 62.7/100 | 60.8/100 | 50.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Kansas
Kansas offers 12 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Washburn University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $64,638 in the Kansas market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Kansas | $10,596 | 79% | 138 | 73.3 |
| #2 Kansas State | $9,964 | N/A% | 106 | 63.0 |
| #3 Washburn | $9,464 | 93% | 25 | 60.8 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Kansas
For graduate study, Kansas offers 7 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include Wichita State University, University of Kansas, Ottawa University-Kansas City. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Kansas reaching $120,042 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best information technology master's programs for more options beyond Kansas.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Kansas
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Wichita State | $7,247 | 87% | 66 | 62.7 |
| #2 U of Kansas | $10,596 | 79% | 32 | 54.6 |
| #3 Ottawa University-Kansas... | $11,976 | N/A% | 24 | 49.8 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Kansas
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology programs in Kansas are at Barton County Community College ($2,432/year), Fort Hays State University ($4,437/year), Emporia State University ($5,542/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Kansas's competitive tech salaries.
At Barton County Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $9,728 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $64,638, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years. See our Most Affordable Information Technology Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in Kansas (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Barton County Community... | $2,432 | $9,728 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 Fort Hays State | $4,437 | $17,748 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #3 Emporia State | $5,542 | $22,168 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Technology Schools in Kansas
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information technology 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.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $10,596 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 138 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 73.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 138 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (79%), program size (138 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,964 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 106 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 79%
- • Ranking Score: 63.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 106 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 63.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (106 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (79% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,247 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 66 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 95%
- • Ranking Score: 62.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 66 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (66 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (95% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Washburn University
Topeka, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,464 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 25 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 60.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 25 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (25 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,437 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 50 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 92%
- • Ranking Score: 50.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 50 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (50 graduates), state salary outcomes ($92,340), and selectivity (92% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Kansas with strong job growth.
Information Technology 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 18)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Information Technology in Kansas FAQ
Based on 18 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology 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.