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Key Takeaways
Best machine learning 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
Machine Learning 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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning programs
We rank 8 accredited machine learning 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 Machine Learning Degree Programs in Kansas Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in Kansas
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in Kansas by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Machine Learning Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in machine learning, 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 machine learning schools in Kansas, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their machine learning degrees in Kansas.
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning 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 machine learning 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 machine learning degrees in Kansas, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Machine Learning Programs in Kansas
Program Landscape
Kansas offers 2 master's degree programs in machine learning, 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 machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Students in Kansas
State Aid Programs
Kansas students pursuing machine learning degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support designed to reduce the cost of higher education. The primary federal funding mechanism is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs. For Kansas residents attending independent institutions, the (Kansas Comprehensive Grant) provides need-based aid directly from the state, administered by the (Kansas Board of Regents). This grant program specifically supports students at Kansas independent colleges and universities, making it a critical resource for institutions like Southwestern College and other private providers in the machine learning space.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond federal and state aid, individual institutions offer merit-based scholarships and institutional aid packages. Public four-year universities in Kansas average $7,625 in in-state tuition, while out-of-state tuition averages $19,960 annually (IPEDS Program Data), creating significant differences in total cost of attendance. Students should explore institution-specific scholarship opportunities at top-ranked programs like Wichita State University and University of Kansas, both of which offer competitive aid for machine learning majors. The (College Scorecard) provides detailed financial aid data by institution, enabling students to compare net price, average aid awards, and loan burden across Kansas machine learning programs.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, Kansas
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Graduates in Kansas
Find machine learning jobs in Kansas. These major employers across Kansas metro areas are actively hiring machine learning degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Machine Learning Jobs in Overland Park
KSMachine Learning Jobs in Wichita
KSTransfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees in Kansas
State Transfer System
Kansas provides strong transfer pathways for students pursuing machine learning degrees, enabling seamless progression from associate's to bachelor's to master's programs. The Kansas Transfer Equivalency System, administered by the Kansas Board of Regents, maintains systemwide course transfer agreements that guarantee recognition of coursework across institutions (Kansas Transfer Equivalency System). This framework allows students at 3 associate's degree institutions and 28 community colleges statewide, including Butler Community College and Barton County Community College, to complete foundational coursework before transferring to 7 bachelor's degree-granting institutions. Butler Community College and Barton County Community College offer affordable entry points with tuition as low as $2,432, reducing overall degree costs while maintaining academic quality.
How Transfers Work
Transfer agreements between community colleges and four-year universities ensure that prerequisite mathematics, computer science, and general education courses apply directly toward bachelor's degrees. Students completing an associate's degree in computer science or general studies can transfer to University of Kansas, Wichita State University, or Kansas State University with junior standing. Many institutions offer guaranteed admission agreements for students meeting GPA thresholds, streamlining the transition process (Kansas Board of Regents). After completing a bachelor's degree, graduates can pursue master's programs at Wichita State University or University of Kansas, which enroll 280 students annually. This structured pathway makes machine learning education accessible and affordable while supporting progression to advanced credentials and specialized roles in Kansas's growing tech sector.
Why Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in Kansas?
Industry & Workforce
Kansas offers a growing ecosystem for machine learning education with 12 institutions across the state providing dedicated programs at multiple degree levels (IPEDS). The state currently produces 402 machine learning completions annually, with 280 master's degrees awarded, demonstrating significant momentum in advanced technical training. Kansas's four-year public institutions charge an average in-state tuition of $7,625, making it an affordable option compared to national averages (IPEDS). Top-performing schools like Wichita State University and University of Kansas rank among the nation's best programs while maintaining competitive pricing.
Salary Outlook
The state's geographic positioning creates multiple tech hubs where machine learning professionals thrive. The Kansas City Metro, Wichita, and Topeka regions host major employers including Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, Koch Industries, and the University of Kansas, all actively hiring data-driven talent. Students benefit from proximity to these innovation centers while pursuing degrees at schools like University of Kansas and Kansas State University. Additionally, related fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Computer Science programs strengthen the overall technical ecosystem. The combination of affordable tuition, quality instruction, and regional employment opportunities makes Kansas an attractive destination for aspiring machine learning professionals.
Machine Learning Program Availability in Kansas
Source: IPEDS 2024
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in Kansas
Employment Outlook
Kansas has a growing machine learning job market supported by a diverse employer base and strategic geographic positioning. The state's major metro areas. Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka, serve as hubs for technology and engineering employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas continues to develop its computational and data science sectors, with opportunities concentrated in aerospace, manufacturing, and emerging technology sectors. The state's 12 institutions offering machine learning programs demonstrate institutional commitment to workforce development in this critical field.
Salaries by Metro
Machine learning graduates in Kansas benefit from proximity to major employment centers and competitive salary markets. Wichita stands out as a regional technology hub, while the Kansas City metro area provides access to a broader Midwest tech ecosystem. For comprehensive labor market data and salary information specific to Kansas, prospective students should consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational database. To explore machine learning opportunities in adjacent states, consider reviewing our guides to Machine Learning in Texas and Machine Learning in California, which show comparable regional job markets and salary trends across the nation.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in Kansas
Online Programs
0 available in Kansas
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Machine Learning Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $6,600
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 179
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Machine Learning Degree Programs in Kansas: FAQ
What are the best machine learning degree programs in Kansas?
How much do machine learning degree programs cost in Kansas?
What salary can machine learning degree graduates earn in Kansas?
Are there online machine learning degree programs in Kansas?
What companies hire machine learning degree graduates in Kansas?
Is a machine learning degree program worth it in Kansas?
How long do machine learning degree programs take in Kansas?
What financial aid is available for machine learning 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.