10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Topeka, KS

Topeka is the capital city of Kansas and the seat of Shawnee County. Sitting along the Kansas River, the city has plenty of gorgeous views to enjoy but the fun doesn't stop there.

Attractions residents and visitors can enjoy in Topeka include Gage Park, the Kansas Children's Discovery Center, and the Evel Knievel Museum.

If you're interested in furthering your education in the area, there are colleges near Topeka, Kansas to take advantage of, as well. Keep reading to learn more.

Featured Colleges Near Topeka, KS

Review this list of the best colleges near Topeka, Kansas to find programs in alignment with your academic and career goals.

1. Washburn University

Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas is home to more than 200 academic programs.

Students can pick degrees from areas of study like applied science, law, nursing, tech, and business.

Whether attendees want to major in creative advertising, digital forensics, psychology, writing, religious studies, or nursing, programs are available.

The university has earned high marks as one of the best regional universities in the Midwest. It is also recognized for its attention to the needs of veterans.

2. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, Kansas, about 30 miles from Topeka.

Among the university's many accolades is its recognition as one of the best colleges in the nation based on metrics like graduation debt and social mobility.

The university has also earned high marks for its nursing, engineering, and business schools.

Students can select from more than 400 degree and certificate programs. Degrees are available in computer engineering, finance, jazz, neurosciences, and public health nursing.

3. Baker University

Baker University has been recognized as a top national university and earned high marks for social mobility.

With more than 50 programs to choose from, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas of study ranging from communication and education to computer science and nursing.

Accounting, international business, mass media, music education, history, exercise science, and chemistry are just a few program options.

Baker University is located in Baldwin, Kansas, about 40 miles from Topeka.

4. Ottawa University

At Ottawa University, students have access to dozens of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, the arts and sciences, and education.

Specific degrees include biology, computer science, sociology, and sport leadership for undergraduates and accountancy, leadership, business administration, and applied psychology for graduates.

The university, located about 50 miles from Topeka in Ottawa, Kansas, has been ranked among the best Midwest regional colleges.

It has also been recognized for its nursing, education, and business programs.

5. University of Saint Mary

The University of Saint Mary attendees have more than 30 undergraduate programs, a dozen master's programs, and three doctoral programs to choose from.

Undergraduate degrees include accounting, nursing, criminology, art therapy, marketing, English, and secondary education.

Graduate programs include the MBA, athletic training, education, and occupational therapy.

The University of Saint Mary has been recognized as a top college in the Midwest. The school is situated in Leavenworth, Kansas, about 60 miles from Topeka.

6. Benedictine College

Benedictine College is ranked among the best regional colleges in the Midwest and has been named one of the 20 most recommended Catholic colleges.

Attendees of Benedictine College can benefit from more than 50 undergraduate majors and a few master's programs.

Degrees are available in art education, criminology, economics, history, physics, business administration, classical education, and school leadership.

Benedictine College is located about 60 miles from Topeka in Atchison, Kansas.

7. Kansas State University

Kansas State University is home to more than 250 undergraduate programs and over 165 graduate programs.

Academic offerings include aeronautics, educational leadership, food and science industry, integrated human sciences, operations research, and sports nutrition.

The university has been recognized as a top school for its friendly and happy students, quality of life, athletic facilities, career services, alumni networks, internships, and much more.

Located in Manhattan, Kansas, the university is about 60 miles from Topeka.

8. Emporia State University

Emporia State University is located in Emporia, Kansas, about 60 miles from Topeka.

Attendees can choose from dozens of majors in colleges and schools like business/technology, humanities/social sciences, science/mathematics, and applied health sciences.

Undergraduate and graduate programs include physical education, psychology, zoology, marketing, accountancy, information technology, and school counseling.

The university has been ranked among the top schools for social mobility and enrollment and deemed a top public university in the Midwest.

9. Avila University

Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, is about 60 miles from Topeka. The school is home to more than 60 academic programs.

Undergraduate degree offerings include film/digital media, graphic design, educational studies, marketing, and finance.

Graduate programs include curriculum and instruction, kinesiology, computer science management, executive leadership, and management.

Avila University has been recognized as one of the top schools in the Midwest for social mobility.

It's also earned high marks for median graduate income and overall mobility.

10. University of Missouri - Kansas City

Students attending the University of Missouri - Kansas City have access to more than 125 academic programs for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree seekers.

Programs include bioinformatics, curriculum and instruction, counseling, economics, information technology, geosciences, and molecular biology and biochemistry.

The university has two undergraduate programs that have ranked among the top 100 in the nation: nursing and engineering.

The undergraduate business program and undergraduate computer science and information technology program have also earned high marks.

What Is the Biggest School Near Topeka, Kansas?

The largest of the colleges near Topeka, Kansas is the University of Kansas, which has a student population of nearly 30,000.

The next biggest school in the vicinity is Kansas State University, which had over 19,700 students as of the fall of 2023.

Another school with a large enrollment is the University of Missouri - Kansas City, which had about 16,000 students at last count.

Washburn University rounds out the list of schools with larger enrollments in the area with more than 5,000 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Topeka, Kansas

It's not always easy to decide which of the colleges near Topeka, Kansas are best. However, there are some ways to make the choice a bit easier.

First, review degree offerings from each college to see which ones have the program you desire.

Whether you want to study computer science or theatre, finding your degree is a must.

Next, look into tuition and other school costs to see what's affordable. If a less affordable school offers your chosen degree, look into their financial aid options.

You'll also want to visit the campuses of schools you're considering to meet faculty and look at the buildings and grounds.

This can help you make sure you're comfortable with the school environment.

Paying for Your Degree Near Topeka, Kansas

With tuition costs normally reaching the thousands, it's important to know how you'll pay for your degree, particularly if you can't pay out of pocket.

Many schools offer financial aid options to help reduce school costs.

You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens up eligibility for federal grants, student loans, and work-study programs.

Also, consider applying for scholarships from local organizations, private businesses, and your school of choice.

If you're a veteran or active service member, look into military scholarships, grants, and the GI Bill.

If you work while enrolled, your company might help pay for your degree via tuition reimbursement.

Start Your Degree Near Topeka, Kansas Today

It's great to know there are so many top colleges near Topeka, Kansas.

Explore these and other schools to find the ones offering programs you desire. In no time, you'll be ready to start your degree.