10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Kansas City, KS

While Kansas City, Kansas may only have two colleges to choose from, they are both affordable options for a quality education.

More importantly, there are many other options nearby in Kansas, as well as options across state lines in Kansas City, Missouri.

Read on for our picks of the best colleges in Kansas City, Kansas, as well as the top options nearby.

Featured Colleges Near Kansas City, KS

Here are the best colleges near Kansas City, Kansas.

1. Donnelly College

Donnelly College is a private, Catholic university located in Kansas City, KS. The school has been in operation since 1949, and it focuses on providing education to under-served student populations.

Donnelly College offers associate's and bachelor's degrees. It also has two nursing programs, with a certificate nursing program coming soon.

The school also has certificate programs in business and information technology.

Tuition at Donnelly is $395 per credit hour for most programs. Tuition costs increase somewhat for certain nursing programs.

2. Kansas City Kansas Community College

Kansas City Kansas Community College, a two-year school, is located in Wyandotte County in Kansas City, Kansas.

This community college has some additional locations apart from its main campus.

KCKCC offers a huge variety of associate's degrees as well as certificate programs.

Just a few of the associate's degree programs that can completed at this community college are:

• Computer Engineering Technology
• Journalism
• Accounting
• Nursing

Residents of Wyandotte County will pay $105 per credit hour in tuition. In-state residents of Kansas will pay $114 per credit hour.

3. University of Kansas

Having been founded in 1886, the University of Kansas is an institution with a long history.

Additionally, with a student body of nearly 30,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in the state.

The school is located in Lawrence, under an hour from Kansas City.

The University of Kansas has over a dozen schools and departments offering degrees.

By far the largest of these departments is the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, which offers several dozen degree programs.

The university's estimated tuition cost for an academic year with full-time schedules for residents of Kansas is $8,477.

4. University of Missouri-Kansas City

The University of Missouri-Kansas City is a public university that has an over-a-century-long history.

The university is focused on the wellness of its students and Kansas City as a whole and offers over 100 programs.

UMKC offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as doctoral programs and many minors.

The school offers undergraduate majors like business administration, computer science, early childhood education, and many others.

Tuition rates at UMKC will vary depending on the program; prospective students should consult the school's official tuition page.

5. William Jewell College

William Jewell College is located in Liberty, Missouri, just over 20 minutes from Kansas City, Kansas. It is a private liberal arts college that was founded in 1849.

William Jewell College offers bachelor's and master's degrees. It also offers minors and pre-professional programs, as well as the option to complete a dual major.

Estimated full-time undergraduate tuition at William Jewell College is $19,320.

6. Rockhurst University

Rockhurst University is a private Jesuit institution located in Kansas City, Missouri. The school was founded in the early 1900s and today has over 3,000 students.

Rockhurst offers dozens of bachelor's degrees and also offers graduate programs and online degrees. Some of the types of academic fields available at Rockhurst include:

• Engineering
• Humanities
• Education
• Health Care
• And more

The estimated undergraduate tuition at Rockhurst for an academic year is $20,950.

7. Avila University

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, Avila University is a private Roman Catholic college.

The school has been in operation for well over 100 years and was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Avila University has programs designed with both traditional and nontraditional students in mind.

The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in-person on their campus and online.

Undergraduate tuition per academic year at Avila is $38,762.

8. Metropolitan Community College

Metropolitan Community College is a public community college located in Kansas City, Missouri.

This institution has a total of five campus locations and over 15,000 students.

Metropolitan Community College has more than 120 degree and certificate programs for students to explore.

The school also has many transfer pathways designed to prepare students to transfer to a four-year university.

In-district students at MCC will pay $121 per credit hour, whereas out-of-district students will be charged $237.

Out-of-state tuition is $320 per credit hour.

9. Calvary University

Calvary University is a private Christian institution, and it is also located in Kansas City, Missouri.

The university has a strong focus on incorporating religious texts and principles into education.

Calvary offers a variety of degrees both on campus and online. Students can complete associate's and bachelor's degrees as well as graduate and one-year certificate programs.

Tuition costs at Calvary are $407 per credit hour.

10. Kansas City Art Institute

A private art school in Missouri, the Kansas City Art Institute was originally founded in the late 1800's.

The school aims to provide high-quality education in art and design to all of its students.

The Kansas City Art Institute offers 13 majors in total. They include:

• Illustration
• Painting
• Filmmaking
• Product Design
• Graphic Design

Annual tuition fees at the Kansas City Art Institute are $42,000.

What is the Biggest School Near Kansas City, Kansas?

The biggest school near Kansas City, Kansas is the University of Kansas.

With a student population of nearly 30,000, the University of Kansas is located in the city of Lawrence, less than an hour from Kansas City.

How to Choose the Right College Near Kansas City, Kansas

Students must consider their hopes for college alongside logistical decisions like cost and location.

College is only worthwhile if a student is pursuing a degree they are passionate about that will better their future.

One of the biggest factors is ensuring the college offers the program you want.

However, it's important to weigh this alongside the cost of the school, its location, and other things like size, student population, and more.

Paying for Your Degree Near Kansas City, Kansas

Students should explore all options of financial aid to make college more affordable.

Many colleges offer financial aid of their own like federal grants, scholarships, and student loans.

When enrolling, students must complete the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which will tell them what federal aid they qualify for, which also includes these same types of aid.

Students may also qualify for tuition assistance, or help with other fees, through their employer.

Start Your Degree Near Kansas City, Kansas Today

We've explored a broad range of some of the best colleges in the Kansas City area.

Now, you're ready to start your degree near Kansas City today!