Best
Value Colleges in Kansas City in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Kansas City, Missouri, combines core business skills with industry insight. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, and data analytics. Students build teamwork, communication, and decision-making abilities through projects and internships. Popular options include the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Rockhurst University, and Avila University. Graduates may pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, financial analyst, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, or business development associate across diverse organizations.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Kansas City, Missouri, offers undergraduate and graduate paths at schools such as the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Avila University, and Rockhurst University. Typical coursework includes introductory psychology, research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognition, and abnormal psychology. Students may explore counseling, mental health, neuroscience, and human behavior through electives or practica. Graduates pursue roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, human resources assistant, research assistant, or community outreach worker.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Kansas City, Missouri, offers access to a growing technology community and career pathways. Students typically study programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Coursework often includes team projects and internships with local employers. Graduates may pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, or IT support professionals. Popular local options include the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Rockhurst University, which offer computer science programs.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Kansas City, Missouri, can prepare students to support people across schools, clinics, and community agencies. Courses typically cover counseling theories, ethics, assessment, human development, group counseling, multicultural practice, and research methods. University of Missouri-Kansas City and Avila University offer counseling-related graduate study in the area. Graduates may pursue roles such as school counselor, mental health counselor, college adviser, or case manager.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Kansas City, Missouri, combines classroom learning with clinical practice in hospitals and settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, pediatrics, mental health, and medical-surgical nursing. Graduates may pursue roles as registered nurses, patient-care coordinators, public-health nurses, or clinical researchers, depending on degree and licensure. Kansas City options include the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Research College of Nursing, and Avila University, offering nursing education and clinical experiences.

Best Colleges in Kansas City, MO Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 25,436.5, compared with 43,109.8 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of 17,673.3.
• On average, 100.0% of students receive financial aid, versus 78.43% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 78.43%. Schools receive an average of 1,995.43 applicants, compared with 4,859.4 at top-10% schools.
• The median number of applicants is 250.0 for men and 873.0 for women.
• Average test scores are 1,169.5 on the SAT and 22.25 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 2,920.62; the averages reported for enrolled men and women are 126.71 and 214.29, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 49.12%, compared with 63.1% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 52.0% for men and 54.5% for women.
• Five institutions offer associate's degrees, nine offer bachelor's degrees, nine offer master's degrees, and four offer doctor's degrees.
• There are eight coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total study costs and financial aid to understand likely affordability, and consider acceptance rates and applicant numbers alongside your academic goals. Also weigh SAT and ACT scores, enrollment figures, graduation rates, available degree levels, and school setting. The higher average graduation rate at top-10% schools may be worth considering alongside their higher median study cost and lower average financial-aid coverage.

How much does studying at a college in Kansas City, MO cost?

In Kansas City, MO, the average total cost of studying toward a degree is $25,852.38. This gives you a starting point for budgeting, though your actual expenses will depend on the school, program, living arrangements, and financial aid.

For local options, compare the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), Rockhurst University, and Kansas City Art Institute. Each has an academic focus, so explore program requirements, campus resources, and student support before deciding.

• Tuition and fees: $25,133.62
• Room and board: $10,740.17
• Books and supplies: $1,004.50

These figures can help you identify major budget areas, but they should not be added to the total automatically because reported averages may use different calculations. Ask each college for a personalized cost estimate, and check scholarships, grants, and work-study. Comparing campus housing with commuting or living at home can make your budget clearer and the goal feel attainable. Also ask about fees tied to your chosen program.

How long does it take to finish college in Kansas City, MO?

At UMKC, Rockhurst University, or another Kansas City, MO, college, plan on about four years for a full-time bachelor's degree; an associate degree commonly takes two years, while a master's usually adds one or two. Your timeline can stretch if you attend part time, change majors, or need prerequisite courses, so checking your program map with an advisor early can make planning feel manageable.

Completion data offer useful context: the average reported graduation rate is 49.12%, compared with 63.1% among the top 10% of schools. Reported averages are 51.0% for men and 49.88% for women. These figures show that finishing is achievable, but persistence and support matter; ask UMKC or your chosen school about tutoring, advising, and financial aid before enrollment.

To finish sooner, transfer accepted credits, use AP or dual-enrollment coursework, take summer classes, and ask whether your major offers accelerated or credit-for-prior-learning options before you commit to a schedule.

Salary

After graduating from college in Kansas City, MO, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $48,133. Graduates of top 10% schools have a higher median of about $72,163. These figures offer a useful sense of what may be possible as you consider local options such as the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Rockhurst University, or the Kansas City Art Institute; your own earnings will depend on your degree, career, and experience.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Kansas City?

Using Kansas City, Missouri city limits and counting universities with a main campus there, the answer is four: the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Rockhurst University, Avila University, and Kansas City University. The wider metropolitan area includes additional institutions, so totals can differ depending on whether Kansas-side campuses are included.

What is the largest university in Kansas City?

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is the largest university within Kansas City, Missouri, by student enrollment. Its broad range of academic programs and urban campus can make it a lively option for students who want university life alongside access to the city's cultural, professional, and community opportunities.

How many universities are there in Kansas City?

For Kansas City, Missouri itself, a useful count is four universities with main campuses inside the city. This count does not include colleges, community colleges, or universities based elsewhere in the metro area. If you're comparing local options, checking each school's campus location and programs can help narrow your choices.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Kansas City, MO Ranking in 2026-2027

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) offers Kansas City students an urban campus and access to the region's cultural and professional scene. With 14,886 enrolled students, it is the largest school in this group. Its 55% graduation rate and 72% acceptance rate offer useful context when comparing fit and support. Total study cost is $30,650, while median alumni salary is $49,935. UMKC's broad academic environment may suit students seeking varied programs close to downtown Kansas City amenities and opportunities nearby.

Rockhurst University gives Kansas City students a smaller university setting with a Jesuit, Catholic educational tradition and a campus in the city. Its enrollment of 3,338 is substantially smaller than UMKC's, and its graduation rate is the highest among these five schools at 75%. Acceptance rate is 70%. The listed total cost is $43,366, and median alumni salary is $68,658, the highest in this group. For local students, studying here combines a close-knit campus atmosphere with Kansas City access.

Calvary University is a small Christian institution in Kansas City, offering students a close-knit learning environment shaped by faith-based education. Its enrollment is just 247, the smallest in this comparison, which may appeal to students seeking a more intimate campus. Calvary's graduation rate is 52%, and its acceptance rate is 72%. At $12,570, its listed total study cost is the lowest here; median alumni salary is $31,518. Kansas City students can weigh this affordability and community feel against their goals.

Avila University is a Catholic university in south Kansas City, offering a campus-based experience within the metro area. With 3,382 enrolled students, it sits between Rockhurst and Calvary in size among these five institutions. Its graduation rate is 52%, while its acceptance rate is 88%, the highest in this group. The listed total cost of studying is $40,200, and median alumni salary is $48,716. For Kansas City, MO students, Avila may provide a smaller university community and access to resources.

Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) is an art and design college for students who want a creative-focused education in Kansas City. Its enrollment of 813 supports a smaller-school setting, and its 58% graduation rate is the highest among five colleges listed. The acceptance rate is 55%, the lowest in this group. Total study cost is $43,000, while median alumni salary is $27,458. Kansas City, MO students can pursue studio-centered study while living near the city's museums, galleries, and creative community.