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As the 35thmost populated state in America, Kansas has a number of private college institutions for college-bound students to consider. School locations include suburban and metro areas such as Baldwin City, Wichita, North Newton, Kansas City, Ottowa, Sterling, and Leavenworth. Top ranked private colleges in Kansas include National American University, Sterling College, Kansas Wesleyan University, Donnelly College, Bethany College, Baker University, and Newman University.
2025 Best Private Colleges in Kansas
Benedictine College provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to guide them in their growth and development. The school is located in Atchison, KS and operated as a private institution. The school's Roman Catholic affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Enrollment at Benedictine College is nearly 1,900 annually.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Theology And Religious Vocations
- Psychology
- Communications And Journalism
The admissions process starts with the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and test scores, which are then evaluated by admissions officials. The majority of students admitted to this school have an SAT score between 960 - 1260, or an ACT score between 21 - 27. An estimated 60% of all applicant were admitted at this school, with 23% of those accepted choosing to enroll. More information on admissions can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $24,000, but may change yearly. Students are encouraged to visit the school's net price calculator to better understand their personal tuition costs. School housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is estimated to be $4,800. This school may offer financial aid for students that are eligible by way of grants and loans.
The mascot for Benedictine College is the "Ravens", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through the oversight and organization of the NAIA. Available athletic programs offered may include the following:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
- Football (NAIA Division I)
Contact information, financial aid information, areas of study, and much more may be accessed on school's website at http://www.benedictine.edu.
Enrollment
2,124
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Baker University, a nonprofit private institution, offers a variety of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Baldwin City, KS, it resides in a rural setting for students to study in. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Baker has an annual student enrollment of over 3,700. Areas of study available at Baker include but are not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division I)
- Football (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
2,769
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
SC provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Sterling, KS and operated as a private institution. Sterling College, with only around 700 students enrolled, offers a low student to teacher ratio and hands on instruction as part of its commitment to students.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs SC offers:
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Philosophy And Religious Studies
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Theology And Religious Vocations
Students applying for admission are required to submit an application, transcripts, standardized test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. Students may take either the SAT or ACT exam scores to be considered for admissions to this school. A score in a range of 1240 - 1520 on the SAT, or 19 - 25 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. Roughly 50 percent of all students that applied were admitted at Sterling College, with 27 percent of those accepted choosing to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found at sterling.edu.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is nearly $22,000 annually. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and that is why students should use the school's net price calculator to understand their personalized cost estimate of attendance. Housing may be available for those that want to live on-campus for a cost of $3,100 for the year. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the required requirements.
The mascot for Sterling College is the "Warriors", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through oversight by the NAIA. Athletic programs that are available include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
Students should visit the Sterling College website to get a complete list of areas of study, programs, admissions information, and more.
Enrollment
651
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Alice Lloyd College is a nonprofit private school that has a large selection of degrees available for students to choose from. The school is located in Pippa Passes, KY, in a predominantly rural area. The school enrolls 600 students yearly, allowing for smaller more engaging class sizes.
Students may choose from several areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Biology
- Commerce
- Elementary Education
- Social Sciences
- History
- Social Studies Teacher Education
The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, transcripts, and standardized test scores, which are then reviewed by admissions officials. A SAT or ACT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores in a range of 1330 to 1690 for the SAT exam and within the range of 20 to 22 on the ACT is common among students accepted to this school. Approximately 30% of all students that applied were accepted at this school, with 24% of those accepted choosing to attend.
The cost of tuition is close to $11,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to use the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attending this school. Housing may be available for students who wish to live on-campus at an estimated cost of $2,600 annually. This school may help with costs by offering financial aid for students that qualify in the form of grants and loans.
The Alice Lloyd College "Eagles" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NAIA. Athletic programs offered include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Golf (NAIA Division II)
- Softball (NAIA Division II)
Students who wish to see more about this school can take a look at their website at http://www.alc.edu.
Enrollment
644
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
University of Saint Mary has a strong academic history as a leader in liberal arts education dating back to 1923, when the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas established Saint Mary College, a two-year institution for young women. The college was an outgrowth of the need to expand educational offerings beyond the high school level at St. Mary's Female Academy, which the sisters established in 1859. Today, USM offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs both at its campus locations in Kansas and online, and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).*
Our programs are grounded in the liberal arts tradition of providing students with the strong decision-making and critical skills required to thrive in the workplace, while coursework and curricula also emphasize the practical applications of skills and knowledge. The University of Saint Mary is known for creating graduates with the ability to lead organizations and contribute to their communities in ways that benefit society as a whole—an essential element of our mission. We have received national recognition from The Princeton Review, which has named the University of Saint Mary a "Best Midwestern College" for the past five consecutive years.
Enrollment
1,254
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Newman University is a nonprofit private institution located in Wichita, Kansas and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. The school maintains a Roman Catholic affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Enrollment at Newman University is nearly two thousand per year.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
Students applying for admission are usually required to submit an application, school records, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions staff. The most common exam scores among applicants admitted to Newman University are between 21 - 27 for the ACT exam, or 1360 - 1810 for the SAT exam. 43% of applicants are admitted to Newman University, of which 15% choose to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $24,000 annually, though it may vary based on any number of circumstances. Students may check the school's net price calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. School housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is about $4,000. Some students at this school may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically offered as grants or student loans.
The Newman University Jets participate in a number of intercollegiate athletic programs, as part of the NCAA organization. Athletic programs that are available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
- Soccer (NCAA Division II)
- Softball (NCAA Division II)
Students should visit the school's http://www.newmanu.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
3,373
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Ottawa University - Ottawa is a nonprofit private institution that has many majors and degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Ottawa, KS, in a predominantly rural area. The school's American Baptist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. OU, with only approximately 600 students enrolled, has a high ratio of teachers to students and personalized education as part of its commitment to students. A list of some of the popular programs are:
- Business Administration
- Communications
- Elementary Education
- Accounting
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
754
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Friends University provides a variety of program options for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Wichita, Kansas and operated as a private institution. Approximately 2,800 students are enrolled annually at Friends University. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Psychology
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
- Golf (NAIA Division II)
- Soccer (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
1,926
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Southwest Baptist University is a nonprofit private college that has a large selection of majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in Bolivar, MO, in a predominantly rural area. The school's Southern Baptist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Enrollment at Southwest Baptist University is nearly three thousand yearly. Here is a list of some of the popular programs SBU offers:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Psychology
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Theology And Religious Vocations
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
3,357
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Bethel College - North Newton is a nonprofit private school that has a large number of degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in North Newton, KS, in a predominantly rural area. The high teacher to student ratio and access to faculty and teachers are due primarily to the small student body, over 500 students, maintained by Bethel College - North Newton. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Bethel College - North Newton offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
- Golf (NAIA Division II)
- Soccer (NAIA Division II)
- Tennis (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
444
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
MidAmerica Nazarene University is a nonprofit private institution located in Olathe, Kansas and provides a large number of degree programs for students. The Church of the Nazarene affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled annually at Mid-America Nazarene College.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Mid-America Nazarene College offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Psychology
- Theology And Religious Vocations
The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, school records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by admissions staff. Most students accepted to Mid-America Nazarene College earn an SAT score within the range of 410 - 460, or an ACT composite score between 19 - 25. More information on admissions can be found at mnu.edu.
The cost of tuition is close to $24,000, but may change from year to year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's net price calculator to better understand their personal tuition costs. MidAmerica Nazarene University may offer financial aid for students that are eligible as scholarships, grants, and loans.
Athletic programs are available at MidAmerica Nazarene University through the NAIA, allowing students to participate in intercollegiate sports. Athletic programs offered include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Football (NAIA Division I)
Contact information, financial aid information, programs, and much more may be viewed on school's website at http://www.mnu.edu.
Enrollment
1,875
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Tabor College provides a variety of degree programs for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Hillsboro, Kansas and operated as a private institution. The school's Mennonite Brethren Church affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. The school enrolls 700 students per year, allowing for smaller more engaging class sizes. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Philosophy And Religious Studies
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
- Soccer (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
713
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Southwestern College is a nonprofit private institution located in Winfield, KS and provides a large number of program options for students. The school maintains a United Methodist affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. About a thousand students enroll at Southwestern College yearly. Students may select from many areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Computer And Information Sciences
- Security And Protective Services
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
1,514
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Kansas Wesleyan University, located in Salina, Kansas, is a private 4 year Methodist institution founded in 1886. The school offers quality educational programs and had its accreditation reaffirmed in 1997. Salina is the sixth largest city in Kansas, and a hub for interstate travel, and Kansas' cultural and artistic center. The school offers a liberal arts education and ensures that its students receive a well rounded education.
Academics
Kansas Wesleyan University offers a diverse number of programs across multiple fields in order to provide its students with option in regards to what they wish to study and how they wish to approach their future. The school offers bachelor and master programs as well as an adult study program in business management.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students wishing to enroll at KWU must complete the application form and submit any transcripts and test scores relevant to review. Some programs may have additional requirements and such requirements must be met for admission o be a possibility. Upon receiving the application the school will review the supplied information and make a decision regarding admission.
Financial aid is available to qualifying students. Students in need of aid should contact the financial aid office for assistance and visit the school's website for additional information,
Enrollment
741
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
McPherson College, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in McPherson, Kansas, the campus resides in a rural setting for students to study in. The school maintains a Church of Brethren affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. The higher teacher/student ratio and access to faculty is due primarily to the small student body, about 710 students, maintained by McPherson College.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Engineering Technology
- Visual And Performing Arts
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Education
- Psychology
To be considered for admissions, you may be required to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit test scores or other school records, which are then reviewed by admissions officials. An ACT or SAT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores between 860 to 1010 for the SAT exam and between 18 to 24 for the ACT exam is typical among students accepted to this school. 57% of those students that apply are admitted to McPherson College, of which 32 percent choose to attend.
Tuition is approximately $23,000 annually, though it may vary based on different types of circumstances. Students may visit the school's price of attendance calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. The cost of on-campus housing is around $3,400 annually. This school may provide financial aid for students that qualify by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
The mascot for McPherson College is the "Bulldogs", and they participate in intercollegiate sports through oversight by the NAIA. Athletic programs available may include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
To see a full list of areas of study, enrollment information, admissions information, and more, please take a look at the school's website at http://www.mcpherson.edu.
Enrollment
819
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Bethany College is a nonprofit private university that has a fair number of degrees available for students to choose from. The school is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, in a predominantly rural area. The school's Evangelical Lutheran Church affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Bethany College, with only about 600 students enrolled, provides a low student to teacher ratio and personalized education as part of its commitment to students. Areas of study offered at Bethany College include but are not limited to:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Education
- Social Sciences
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
891
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Central Christian College is a nonprofit private school that has a large number of degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in McPherson, Kansas, in a predominantly rural area. The Free Methodist affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and mission that defines the school. Central Christian College, with only about 500 students enrolled, offers a low student to teacher ratio and personalized education as part of its commitment to students. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- General Studies
- Commerce
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Liberal Arts
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
- Golf (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
726
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Donnelly College is located in Kansas City, KS and is a nonprofit private institution that helps students to meet their educational goals. The school's Roman Catholic affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. The higher teacher/student ratio and access to teachers is due primarily to the smaller enrollment, nearly 650 students, maintained by Donnelly College.
A list of some of the programs offered are:
- Liberal Arts
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Organizational and Nonprofit Management
The school operates under an open enrollment policy, accepting all students that meet the basic requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts, records, test scores, and admissions essays may be requested for certain programs.
Tuition is approximately $6,600 for the year, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students may visit the school's tuition calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. Some students at Donnelly College may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically provided as scholarships, grants, and loans.
Contact information, financial aid information, programs offered, and much more can be viewed on school's website at http://donnelly.edu.
Enrollment
364
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Kansas State Private Colleges

Private colleges are schools that do not accept state funds but rely upon tuition, donations, and internal operations to fund the school. When considering a private school, college-bound students will need to think about an array of variables from acceptance rates and financial aid to campus life and enrollment trends. To help make the best use of your time, simply connect to our school profile pages from this portal to learn more. Finding schools that fit your personal criteria has never been easier by using MatchCollege. We can help you quickly narrow down your list of colleges to a handful of viable schools and quickly receive admissions information without leaving MatchCollege. Assemble your priorities, goals, and aspirations into a single list and overlay those with the private schools in Kansas to make efficient use of your time and resources.
List of Large 4-Year Private Universities in Kansas
- Barton Community College (Barton Community College) in Baldwin City, KS
- Butler Community College (Butler CC) in North Newton, KS
- Emporia State University (ESU) in Kansas City, KS
- Pittsburg State University (Pitt State) in Overland Park, KS
- Washburn University (Tabor) in Hillsboro, KS
Small to Medium Sized 4-Year Universities
The 4-year schools listed below have a small to medium sized student body and may offer a wide range of associate and bachelor's degrees. Get more information about each school by clicking the links below.
- Bethany College - Lindsborg in Atchison, KS
- Bethel College - North Newton in Lindsborg, KS
- Cloud County Community College (Central Christian College) in McPherson, KS
- Fort Scott Community College (FSCC) in Wichita, KS
- MidAmerica Nazarene University (MidAmerica Nazarene College) in McPherson, KS
- Neosho County Community College (MidAmerica Nazarene College) in Olathe, KS
- Salina Area Technical College (Salina Tech) in Leavenworth, KS
- Sterling College (SC) in Winfield, KS
- Tabor College (Tabor) in Sterling, KS
- Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech) in Salina, KS
4-Year Colleges with a Special Focus on an Area of Study
The schools below are grouped by their special area of focus. To learn about admissions, tuition & fees, programs offered, and more click on the school names below.
Theological Seminaries, Bible Colleges, and Other Faith-Related Institutions
- Friends University in Haviland, KS
- McPherson College (MCC) in Manhattan, KS
- Southwest Baptist University in Leawood, KS
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Kansas in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.