12 Best Colleges in Wichita
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Wichita, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in Wichita.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Wichita graduates reach $39,553 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $6,018 to $35,500.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionFriends University
Annual Tuition
$32,748
Early Salary
$52,113
Acceptance Matrix
55.6%
Newman University
Annual Tuition
$35,500
Early Salary
$55,041
Acceptance Matrix
47.6%
Old Town Barber College
Annual Tuition
$14,647
Early Salary
$21,295
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology
Annual Tuition
$6,018
Early Salary
$38,679
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Wichita State University
Annual Tuition
$9,322
Early Salary
$51,532
Acceptance Matrix
94.9%
Wichita Technical Institute
Annual Tuition
$18,524
Early Salary
$34,101
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Paul Mitchell the School-Wichita
Annual Tuition
$18,938
Early Salary
$31,553
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Crave Beauty Academy
Annual Tuition
$18,156
Early Salary
$26,589
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Eric Fisher Academy
Annual Tuition
$12,934
Early Salary
$32,858
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
WellSpring School of Allied Health-Wichita
Annual Tuition
$9,355
Early Salary
$29,839
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Kansas Health Science University
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Galen Health Institutes-Wichita
Annual Tuition
$15,860
Early Salary
$61,480
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Choosing a College in Wichita
01
Academic Diversity
Wichita offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to Friends University, Newman University, Old Town Barber College and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Wichita can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Wichita graduates is notably strong. Institutions like Galen Health Institutes-Wichita lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $61,480. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While Wichita has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Arkansas City, El Dorado, Ottawa to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the Kansas landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Wichita
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Wichita, KS
Selecting a college in Wichita provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 12 institutions within or near the city limits of Wichita, Kansas. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in Wichita cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the Wichita area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of Kansas.
Our data for Wichita, KS colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of Kansas.