Best
Colleges in Kansas City in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Kansas City, MO provides training in management, finance, marketing, accounting, economics, and business analytics. Students often complete team projects, internships, and case studies with local employers. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, sales representative, or operations manager. Popular local options include the University of Missouri-Kansas City, whose Henry W. Bloch School of Management offers business programs, as well as Rockhurst University and Avila University.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Kansas City, Missouri, offers coursework in developmental psychology, cognitive processes, research methods, statistics, social behavior, and abnormal psychology. Students learn to assess human behavior and understand mental health across the lifespan. Popular local options include the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Avila University, and Rockhurst University. Graduates may pursue roles as case managers, behavioral health technicians, human resources specialists, or research assistants; clinical practice generally requires graduate education and appropriate licensure in Missouri.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Kansas City, Missouri, offers access to technology employers and collaborative learning. Programs typically cover programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, software engineering, and artificial intelligence. Students build practical skills through projects and internships. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as software developer, systems analyst, cybersecurity specialist, web developer, or data analyst. Kansas City institutions offering computer science study include the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Rockhurst University, and Avila University.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Kansas City, Missouri, combines learning with supervised fieldwork. Courses often include counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, psychopathology, and multicultural practice. Programs may also require practicum or internship experience. Graduates commonly pursue work as mental health counselors, substance use counselors, school counselors, or behavioral health case managers, subject to applicable licensure requirements. Kansas City options include the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Avila University, both offering counseling study opportunities.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Kansas City, Missouri, prepares students to provide care across healthcare settings. Courses commonly include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, medical-surgical nursing, and community health. Kansas City options include the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Research College of Nursing, and Metropolitan Community College's Penn Valley campus. Graduates may become registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, public health, and specialty units after training.

Best Colleges in Kansas City, MO Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The total median cost of studying is 25436.5, compared with 43109.8 at schools in the top 10%, making the top 10% figure higher.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid overall, compared with 78.43% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 78.43%, and schools receive an average of 1995.43 applicants. Top 10% schools average 4859.4 applicants.
• The median number of male applicants is 250.0, while the median number of female applicants is 873.0.
• Average test scores are 1169.5 on the SAT and 22.25 on the ACT.
• Schools average 2920.62 enrolled students, including an average of 126.71 men and 214.29 women.
• 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, 9 offer bachelor's degrees, 9 offer master's degrees, and 4 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 8 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, available degree levels, and test-score information. Also consider enrollment and graduation outcomes, including the differences between overall and top 10% school figures and between men's and women's median graduation rates.

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

Based on the available averages, studying for a degree in Kansas City, MO costs about $25,852.38 in total. Average tuition and fees are $25,133.62, while average room and board is $10,740.17, and books and supplies add about $1,004.50. These figures provide a starting point for planning purposes, but your actual expenses will vary by institution, program, housing choice, and financial aid.

• Tuition and fees: $25,133.62 on average.
• Room and board: $10,740.17 on average.
• Books and supplies: about $1,004.50 on average.
• Reported total cost: $25,852.38 on average.

Because the reported total is lower than tuition and fees alone, these averages may reflect different reporting methods or cost categories; check the current cost-of-attendance breakdown before budgeting. At the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Rockhurst University, or Kansas City Art Institute, ask about scholarships, in-state eligibility, commuting, and payment plans. Comparing aid offers can make pursuing a Kansas City degree feel much more manageable.

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

In Kansas City, MO, plan on about two years for an associate's degree and four years for a bachelor's degree when attending full time. UMKC, Rockhurst University, and Metropolitan Community College offer pathways, though requirements and your course load affect timing. Many students take longer because they work, transfer credits, or study part time. The average graduation rate is 49.12%, meaning roughly half of students complete their programs; the average for the top 10% of schools is 63.1%. Rates are 51.0% for men and 49.88% for women. Completion is possible, and support matters. You may finish sooner by bringing AP or dual-enrollment credits, transferring eligible coursework, taking summer classes, or choosing an accelerated or competency-based option where available. Ask UMKC or Rockhurst advisers to map prerequisites and confirm which credits count before enrolling. A realistic plan can save time and money, while making your goal feel closer and more manageable.

Salary

College graduates in Kansas City, MO can use about $48,133 as a median alumni salary benchmark. Graduates from schools in the top 10% reach a median of about $72,163, showing the potential for stronger earnings after college.

If you're considering local options such as the University of Missouri-Kansas City or Rockhurst University, your actual pay will depend on factors such as your field of study, experience, and employer. These figures offer an encouraging starting point as you compare programs and plan for work in the Kansas City area.

People also ask

How many colleges are in Kansas City

There isn't one fixed count because lists differ on whether they include community-college campuses, specialist schools, and institutions just outside city limits. Within Kansas City, Missouri, you'll find roughly 15 colleges and universities by common counts. The wider metro has more, giving local students a broad range of options close to home.

What is the main college in Kansas City?

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is often considered the city's flagship public university. Its urban campus offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and it's closely connected to the city's cultural and professional life. "Main" is subjective, though: Rockhurst University and other schools are also important parts of Kansas City's college community.

Where do college students go in Kansas City?

Students spend time around campus as well as in neighborhoods such as Westport, the Crossroads Arts District, the River Market, and the Country Club Plaza. These areas offer places to eat, shop, catch live music, or meet friends. What feels most convenient depends on your campus, budget, and whether you have a car.

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

Located in Kansas City, the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers a large-campus option for students who want to study in the city while staying close to home. It enrolls 14,886 students, the biggest population among these five schools. Its 72% acceptance rate may offer comparatively broad access, while its 55% graduation rate provides one outcome to consider. Total cost of study is $30,650, and median alumni salary is $49,935. Compare programs, campus life, and commuting options before choosing a degree.

Rockhurst University is a private Jesuit university in Kansas City, giving local students a smaller-school setting within the metro area. Its enrollment of 3,338 is far below UMKC's, and its 70% acceptance rate offers a useful admissions comparison. The reported graduation rate is 75%, highest among these five colleges. Total cost is $43,366, while median alumni salary is $68,658, also the highest listed. Consider whether its campus environment and academic offerings fit your goals and budget for your undergraduate plans.

Calvary University offers Kansas City students a notably small college community, with 247 enrolled students. Its 72% acceptance rate matches UMKC's and Avila's, while its 52% graduation rate is among the lower figures in this group. The listed total cost of study is $12,570, the lowest of the five, and median alumni salary is $31,518. For a student staying in Kansas City, compare its academic programs, campus setting, and faith-centered character with your priorities and financial plans before you enroll.

Avila University is a small private university in Kansas City, offering a local option for students seeking a close-to-home college experience. It enrolls 3,382 students and has an 88% acceptance rate, the highest among the five schools listed. Its graduation rate is 52%. The reported total study cost is $40,200, and median alumni salary is $48,716. If you plan to remain in Kansas City, weigh these figures alongside its programs, campus atmosphere, and your intended career path carefully before enrollment.

Kansas City Art Institute is a specialized option for students pursuing visual arts and creative study in Kansas City. Its enrollment is 813, and its 55% acceptance rate is the lowest in this five-school group. The graduation rate is 58%. Total study cost is $43,000, while median alumni salary is $27,458. Prospective students should compare its studio-focused environment and available programs with their artistic goals, budget, and career plans, while also considering the convenience of studying in Kansas City.