Best Network Administration Degree Programs in Kansas, 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

Kansas students pursuing Network Administration degrees have access to multiple layers of financial support. Federal aid begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. The FAFSA is the gateway to all federal funding and should be completed as early as possible each academic year. Beyond federal support, Kansas offers the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, a need-based grant program specifically for students attending Kansas independent institutions. This state-funded program helps bridge the affordability gap for eligible students and can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. More information is available through the (Kansas Board of Regents).

Key Programs & Amounts

Most Kansas institutions offering Network Administration programs, from community colleges to four-year universities, offer institutional scholarships and financial aid packages tailored to in-state and transfer students. Many schools participate in the Kansas Transfer Equivalency System, which can reduce overall time-to-degree and associated costs for students moving from two-year to four-year institutions. Students should contact financial aid offices at target schools to inquire about merit-based scholarships, employer tuition assistance programs (particularly relevant given Kansas's strong tech employers), and specialized IT training grants. For detailed guidance on federal aid eligibility and loan options, the (College Scorecard) provides institution-specific aid data, allowing students to compare net price across Kansas's 23 institutions offering Network Administration programs.

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a network administration 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.

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

State Transfer System

Kansas provides structured pathways for students to transfer from community colleges to four-year universities through the Kansas Transfer Equivalency System (Kansas Transfer Equivalency System). This systemwide agreement ensures that courses completed at Kansas's 28 two-year institutions transfer seamlessly with full credit to the state's 34 four-year institutions, eliminating duplication and supporting degree completion. Students beginning at community colleges like Johnson County Community College (30 completions), Butler Community College (13 completions), Allen County Community College (13 completions), Flint Hills Technical College (12 completions), or Manhattan Area Technical College (11 completions) can complete an associate degree and transition to bachelor's programs at University of Kansas, Wichita State University, Kansas State University, or Washburn University with junior-level standing.

How Transfers Work

Articulation agreements specific to network administration programs streamline the transfer process, allowing community college students to build foundational networking and systems administration skills before pursuing advanced coursework at four-year institutions. Students should work with academic advisors at their current institution to identify pre-approved transfer courses and maintain alignment with their chosen university's degree requirements. The Kansas Board of Regents (Kansas Board of Regents) publishes transfer guides and maintains searchable course equivalency databases to support planning. Many four-year programs also offer evening and hybrid delivery options to accommodate working professionals and transfer students balancing education with employment. Students exploring related fields like cybersecurity or cloud computing will find complementary transfer pathways and shared foundational coursework across Kansas institutions.

Industry & Workforce

Kansas offers strong pathways to a network administration career with 23 institutions offering programs across associate, bachelor, and master degree levels (IPEDS). The state's education infrastructure includes 17 associate programs and 4 bachelor programs, providing flexible entry points for students at different educational stages. Leading institutions like University of Kansas, Wichita State University, and Kansas State University rank among the state's top network administration programs, combining affordability with strong academic credentials. The average public in-state tuition for four-year programs is just $7,625, significantly lower than the national average, making Kansas an economically attractive choice for students seeking quality IT education.

Salary Outlook

Kansas's strategic location within major technology corridors positions graduates for excellent employment opportunities. Cities like Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka, and Lawrence host major employers including Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, University of Kansas, and Koch Industries, all with substantial IT infrastructure needs (BLS State Data). Community colleges such as Johnson County Community College (with 30 completions), Butler Community College (13 completions), and Allen County Community College (13 completions) demonstrate the state's commitment to network administration workforce development. Students can explore complementary IT fields through related programs in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and information technology at Kansas institutions.

Employment Outlook

Kansas presents a solid job market for network administration professionals, with employment opportunities concentrated in major metropolitan areas. The state's largest metros. Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka, serve as primary hiring hubs for IT infrastructure roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Kansas has a diverse employer base seeking skilled network administrators across multiple sectors. The state's workforce includes representation from aerospace, manufacturing, higher education, and energy industries, all of which require strong network infrastructure and IT support services.

Salaries by Metro

The network administration field in Kansas is supported by strong educational pathways. Kansas institutions awarded 109 associate's degree completions and 9 bachelor's degree completions in network administration during the most recent reporting period (IPEDS). This represents a healthy pipeline of graduates entering the state's job market. Schools like Johnson County Community College, which produced 30 completions, and Butler Community College and Allen County Community College, each with 13 completions, are primary sources of entry-level network administration talent. For career guidance and current salary data, the Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational data provides detailed wage and employment trend information for networking professionals in Kansas.

High-Growth Sectors

Students pursuing network administration should consider related IT disciplines that complement career development. Explore cloud computing programs in Kansas and cybersecurity opportunities to understand complementary specializations that can enhance employment prospects and earning potential in Kansas's growing tech sector.

Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.