1. University of Kansas
The University of Kansas (KU), located in Lawrence, is a major public research university known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research and innovation. Established in 1865, KU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various schools and colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in business, engineering, law, and health sciences. KU’s beautiful campus and extensive network of alumni provide students with numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
The University of Kansas is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States.
Number of Students
KU serves approximately 28,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
Degrees Offered
KU offers more than 400 degree programs across its various schools and colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at KU is around 92%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1230.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at KU include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Wilt Chamberlain – NBA Hall of Famer.
- Paul Rudd – Actor.
- Bill Kurtis – Television journalist.
- Gale Sayers – NFL Hall of Famer.
- Neal Patterson – Co-founder of Cerner Corporation.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Cerner Corporation
- Garmin
- Sprint Corporation
- University of Kansas Health System
- Boeing
2. Kansas State University
Kansas State University (K-State), located in Manhattan, is a major public research university known for its strong academic programs, commitment to research, and vibrant campus life. Established in 1863, K-State offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. K-State’s commitment to innovation and research is reflected in its numerous research centers and partnerships with industry leaders.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Kansas State University is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States.
Number of Students
K-State serves approximately 21,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
Degrees Offered
K-State offers more than 250 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at K-State is around 96%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1150.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at K-State include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Earl Woods – Father of Tiger Woods and U.S. Army officer.
- Sam Brownback – Former Governor of Kansas and U.S. Senator.
- Ernie Barrett – NBA player and coach.
- Carlos Mayans – Former Mayor of Wichita.
- Eric Stonestreet – Actor.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Garmin
- Koch Industries
- Cargill
- Kansas State University
- Burns & McDonnell
3. Wichita State University
Wichita State University (WSU), located in Wichita, is a public research university known for its strong academic programs, emphasis on applied learning, and vibrant campus life. Established in 1895, WSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in engineering, business, and health sciences. WSU’s commitment to hands-on learning and community engagement is reflected in its numerous internship opportunities and partnerships with industry leaders.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Wichita State University is ranked among the top public universities in the Midwest.
Number of Students
WSU serves approximately 16,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
Degrees Offered
WSU offers more than 200 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at WSU is around 91%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1130.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at WSU include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Frank White – Former MLB player and coach.
- Gary Burrell – Co-founder of Garmin.
- Dan and Frank Carney – Co-founders of Pizza Hut.
- Bill Parcells – NFL Hall of Fame coach.
- Jim Ryun – Olympian and former U.S. Representative.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Spirit AeroSystems
- Textron Aviation
- Koch Industries
- Cargill
- Wichita State University
4. Baker University
Baker University, located in Baldwin City, is a private liberal arts university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success. Established in 1858, Baker offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various schools. The university is particularly noted for its programs in education, business, and the arts. Baker’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Baker University is consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest.
Number of Students
Baker serves approximately 2,700 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
Baker offers more than 40 degree programs across its various schools.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Baker is around 86%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1140.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Baker include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and service organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Walter R. Stubbs – Former Governor of Kansas.
- Charles W. Green – Former U.S. Congressman.
- Abigail Horn – Opera singer.
- John D. Montgomery – Former Mayor of Baldwin City.
- Dennis L. Weisman – Economist and professor.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Garmin
- Sprint Corporation
- Cerner Corporation
- University of Kansas Health System
- Burns & McDonnell
5. Emporia State University
Emporia State University (ESU), located in Emporia, is a public university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to community engagement. Established in 1863, ESU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in education, business, and the sciences. ESU’s commitment to experiential learning and community service is reflected in its numerous internship opportunities and outreach programs.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Emporia State University is ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest.
Number of Students
ESU serves approximately 5,900 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
ESU offers more than 80 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at ESU is around 85%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1100.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at ESU include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- William Allen White – Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.
- Clara Hazelrigg – Author and poet.
- Gary Stotts – Former Kansas Secretary of Revenue.
- Nikki Giovanni – Poet and activist.
- Bill James – Baseball writer and statistician.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Garmin
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
- State of Kansas
- Cargill
- Emporia State University
6. Washburn University
Washburn University, located in Topeka, is a public university known for its strong academic programs, commitment to student success, and vibrant campus life. Established in 1865, Washburn offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various schools. The university is particularly noted for its programs in law, business, and nursing. Washburn’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Washburn University is ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest.
Number of Students
Washburn serves approximately 6,300 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
Washburn offers more than 200 degree programs across its various schools.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Washburn is around 90%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1090.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Washburn include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and service organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Bob Dole – Former U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate.
- Bill Kurtis – Television journalist.
- Lee Arena – Former NBA player.
- Fred Phelps – Founder of the Westboro Baptist Church.
- Kay McFarland – First female Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Stormont Vail Health
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
- State of Kansas
- Capitol Federal Savings Bank
- Washburn University
7. Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg State University (Pitt State), located in Pittsburg, is a public university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success. Established in 1903, Pitt State offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in technology, business, and education. Pitt State’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement is reflected in its numerous internship opportunities and outreach programs.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Pittsburg State University is ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest.
Number of Students
Pitt State serves approximately 7,000 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
Pitt State offers more than 100 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Pitt State is around 96%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1080.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Pitt State include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Gary Busey – Actor.
- Tom “T.J.” Courtemanche – Former NFL player.
- Gordon Parks – Photographer and filmmaker.
- Jerome Bettis – NFL Hall of Famer.
- Carrie Nation – Temperance advocate.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Cargill
- Koch Industries
- J.B. Hunt Transport Services
- Pittsburg State University
- Garmin
8. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University (FHSU), located in Hays, is a public university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success. Established in 1902, FHSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in education, business, and the sciences. FHSU’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement is reflected in its numerous internship opportunities and outreach programs.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Fort Hays State University is ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest.
Number of Students
FHSU serves approximately 15,000 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
FHSU offers more than 100 degree programs across its various colleges.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at FHSU is around 91%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1060.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at FHSU include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- John D. Montgomery – Former Mayor of Hays.
- Keith Sebelius – Former U.S. Congressman.
- Gail E. Williams – Former Kansas Supreme Court Justice.
- Dennis Rader – Serial killer known as BTK.
- Pat Roberts – Former U.S. Senator.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Fort Hays State University
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
- Cargill
- Garmin
- State of Kansas
9. Newman University
Newman University, located in Wichita, is a private Catholic university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success. Established in 1933, Newman offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various schools. The university is particularly noted for its programs in nursing, education, and business. Newman’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Newman University is ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest.
Number of Students
Newman serves approximately 3,000 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.
Degrees Offered
Newman offers more than 40 degree programs across its various schools.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Newman is around 63%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1100.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Newman include student government, academic clubs, sports teams, and service organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Mike Pompeo – Former U.S. Secretary of State.
- Ron Baker – NBA player.
- Jared Flood – Knitting designer and entrepreneur.
- Lindsay McNamara – Author and motivational speaker.
- Roxanne H. Medina – Former Kansas State Senator.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Via Christi Health
- Wichita Public Schools
- Newman University
- Cargill
- Koch Industries
10. Bethany College
Bethany College, located in Lindsborg, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to student success. Established in 1881, Bethany offers a wide range of undergraduate programs through its various schools. The college is particularly noted for its programs in the arts, sciences, and education. Bethany’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
U.S. News Ranking of the University
Bethany College is ranked among the top regional colleges in the Midwest.
Number of Students
Bethany serves approximately 700 students.
Degrees Offered
Bethany offers more than 25 degree programs across its various schools.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Bethany is around 66%.
Average SAT Score
The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1050.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
Popular extracurricular activities at Bethany include student government, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.
5 Famous Alumni
- Jack Kilby – Nobel Prize-winning physicist.
- Clarence D. Martin – Former Governor of Washington.
- Keith Sebelius – Former U.S. Congressman.
- Fred A. Seaton – Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior.
- Ruth Bryan Owen – Former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark.
Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years
- Bethany College
- Salina Regional Health Center
- Kansas Wesleyan University
- USD 305 Salina
- Koch Industries