The Best Accounting Programs in Kansas for 2026
The best accounting programs in Kansas are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 15 business programs in Kansas on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor of accounting actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 15 ranked programs in Kansas runs from $4,704 to $36,174 a year, a $31,470 spread for the same credential.
Kansas State University tops the list with an 82.7 Hakia Score on a 71% graduation rate, at $10,243 a year in-state. Across all 15 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 52%, ranging from 27% to 71%. The national median pay in the field is $87,660 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
- Kansas State University ranks first among Kansas's business programs with an 82.7 Hakia Score and a 71% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 15 ranked Kansas programs spans $4,704 to $36,174 a year, a $31,470 gap for the same bachelor of accounting.
- The 15 ranked Kansas programs graduate 52% of students on average, from 27% to 71%.
- 7 of the 15 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for Kansas residents.
- 3 of the 15 offer a confirmed online option for students who cannot relocate.
- National median pay in the field is $87,660 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked Kansas program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 15 accredited programs in Kansas reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 15 Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas State UniversityManhattan, KS | Public | $10,243 | 71% | 82% | 82.7 |
| 2 | University of KansasLawrence, KS | Public | $10,968 | 69% | 93% | 80.6 |
| 3 | Newman UniversityWichita, KS | Nonprofit | $35,500 | 53% | 74% | 73.0 |
| 4 | Washburn UniversityTopeka, KS | Public | $9,828 | 53% | NR | 72.3 |
| 5 | Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg, KS | Public | $6,342 | 57% | 89% | 72.0 |
| 6 | Kansas Wesleyan UniversitySalina, KS | Nonprofit | $33,730 | 49% | 72% | 69.8 |
| 7 | Wichita State UniversityWichita, KS | Public | $7,529 | 51% | 94% | 69.3 |
| 8 | Ottawa University-Kansas CityOverland Park, KS · online option | Nonprofit | $11,976 | NR | NR | 69.3 |
| 9 | Bethany CollegeLindsborg, KS | Nonprofit | $30,700 | 36% | 56% | 69.1 |
| 10 | Friends UniversityWichita, KS | Nonprofit | $33,552 | 43% | 55% | 68.5 |
| 11 | Central Christian College of KansasMcPherson, KS · online option | Nonprofit | $20,000 | 27% | 53% | 68.2 |
| 12 | Emporia State UniversityEmporia, KS | Public | $5,542 | 56% | 98% | 67.9 |
| 13 | Benedictine CollegeAtchison, KS | Nonprofit | $35,350 | 62% | 98% | 67.9 |
| 14 | MidAmerica Nazarene UniversityOlathe, KS | Nonprofit | $36,174 | 54% | 79% | 67.7 |
| 15 | Fort Hays State UniversityHays, KS · online option | Public | $4,704 | 48% | 90% | 67.4 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
How the Top Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas Compare
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
The Top Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas, School by School
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS · Public
- Grad rate
- 71%
- Admit rate
- 82%
- In-state
- $10,243
- Out-of-state
- $27,590
At $10,243 a year in-state, Kansas State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding an 82.7 Hakia Score on a 71% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 82.7, #1 of 15
- 71% graduation rate
- $10,243 in-state vs $27,590 out-of-state
- Top graduation rate on this list
Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #1 of the 15 ranked here, earning an 82.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 71 group average. The program graduates 71% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Kansas State University admits 82% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 53% rate at Central Christian College of Kansas, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%.
On cost, Kansas State University charges $10,243 a year in-state, roughly 2.7x the $27,590 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $40,972 in tuition for residents, against $110,360 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS · Public
- Grad rate
- 69%
- Admit rate
- 93%
- In-state
- $10,968
- Out-of-state
- $29,298
University of Kansas graduates 69% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on an 80.6 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 80.6, #2 of 15
- 69% graduation rate
- $10,968 in-state vs $29,298 out-of-state
- Largest campus in this ranking
Based in Lawrence, KS, University of Kansas is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #2 of the 15 ranked here, earning an 80.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 71 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs, 2.1 points behind top-ranked Kansas State University. The program graduates 69% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. University of Kansas admits 93% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 53% rate at Central Christian College of Kansas, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%.
On cost, University of Kansas charges $10,968 a year in-state, roughly 2.7x the $29,298 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $43,872 in tuition for residents, against $117,192 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Newman University
Wichita, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 53%
- Admit rate
- 74%
- In-state
- $35,500
- Out-of-state
- $35,500
Newman University graduates 53% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 73.0 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 73.0, #3 of 15
- 53% graduation rate
- $35,500 tuition
- Admits just 74% of applicants
Based in Wichita, KS, Newman University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #3 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 73.0 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 71 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 53% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Newman University admits 74% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 53% rate at Central Christian College of Kansas, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%.
On cost, Newman University charges $35,500 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $142,000 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Washburn University
Topeka, KS · Public
- Grad rate
- 53%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $9,828
- Out-of-state
- $20,832
At $9,828 a year in-state, Washburn University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 72.3 Hakia Score on a 53% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 72.3, #4 of 15
- 53% graduation rate
- $9,828 in-state vs $20,832 out-of-state
- 6,033 students enrolled
Based in Topeka, KS, Washburn University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #4 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 72.3 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 71 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 53% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%. The university enrolls 6,033 students overall.
On cost, Washburn University charges $9,828 a year in-state, roughly 2.1x the $20,832 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $39,312 in tuition for residents, against $83,328 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. The spread makes the program a clearer value for KS residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 9x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS · Public
- Grad rate
- 57%
- Admit rate
- 89%
- In-state
- $6,342
- Out-of-state
- $17,686
At $6,342 a year in-state, Pittsburg State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 72.0 Hakia Score on a 57% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 72.0, #5 of 15
- 57% graduation rate
- $6,342 in-state vs $17,686 out-of-state
- Admits just 89% of applicants
Pittsburg State University is a public institution in Pittsburg, KS. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #5 of the 15 analyzed here with a 72.0 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 71 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 57% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Pittsburg State University admits 89% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 53% rate at Central Christian College of Kansas, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%.
On cost, Pittsburg State University charges $6,342 a year in-state, roughly 2.8x the $17,686 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $25,368 in tuition for residents, against $70,744 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 72%
- In-state
- $33,730
- Out-of-state
- $33,730
Kansas Wesleyan University ranks #6 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 69.8 Hakia Score and a 49% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.8, #6 of 15
- 49% graduation rate
- $33,730 tuition
- Admits just 72% of applicants
Kansas Wesleyan University is a private, nonprofit institution in Salina, KS. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #6 of the 15 analyzed here with a 69.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 49% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Kansas Wesleyan University admits 72% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 53% rate at Central Christian College of Kansas, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%.
On cost, Kansas Wesleyan University charges $33,730 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $134,920 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS · Public
- Grad rate
- 51%
- Admit rate
- 94%
- In-state
- $7,529
- Out-of-state
- $17,714
At $7,529 a year in-state, Wichita State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 69.3 Hakia Score on a 51% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.3, #7 of 15
- 51% graduation rate
- $7,529 in-state vs $17,714 out-of-state
- Admits just 94% of applicants
Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #7 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 69.3 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 51% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Wichita State University admits 94% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 53% rate at Central Christian College of Kansas, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%.
On cost, Wichita State University charges $7,529 a year in-state, roughly 2.4x the $17,714 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $30,116 in tuition for residents, against $70,856 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Ottawa University-Kansas City
Overland Park, KS · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- NR
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $11,976
- Out-of-state
- $11,976
Ottawa University-Kansas City ranks #8 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 69.3 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 69.3, #8 of 15
- $11,976 tuition
- Online option available
Ottawa University-Kansas City is a private, nonprofit institution in Overland Park, KS. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #8 of the 15 analyzed here with a 69.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 528 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Ottawa University-Kansas City charges $11,976 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $47,904 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 7x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the main draw here is its an online option.
Bethany College
Lindsborg, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 36%
- Admit rate
- 56%
- In-state
- $30,700
- Out-of-state
- $30,700
Bethany College ranks #9 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 69.1 Hakia Score and a 36% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 69.1, #9 of 15
- 36% graduation rate
- $30,700 tuition
- Admits just 56% of applicants
Based in Lindsborg, KS, Bethany College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #9 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 69.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 36% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Bethany College admits 56% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 53% rate at Central Christian College of Kansas, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%.
On cost, Bethany College charges $30,700 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $122,800 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
Friends University
Wichita, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 43%
- Admit rate
- 55%
- In-state
- $33,552
- Out-of-state
- $33,552
Friends University ranks #10 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 68.5 Hakia Score and a 43% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.5, #10 of 15
- 43% graduation rate
- $33,552 tuition
- Admits just 55% of applicants
Friends University is a private, nonprofit institution in Wichita, KS. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #10 of the 15 analyzed here with a 68.5 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 43% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Friends University admits 55% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 53% rate at Central Christian College of Kansas, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%.
On cost, Friends University charges $33,552 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $134,208 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
Central Christian College of Kansas
McPherson, KS · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 27%
- Admit rate
- 53%
- In-state
- $20,000
- Out-of-state
- $20,000
Central Christian College of Kansas ranks #11 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 68.2 Hakia Score and a 27% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.2, #11 of 15
- 27% graduation rate
- $20,000 tuition
- Most selective program here
Central Christian College of Kansas is a private, nonprofit institution in McPherson, KS. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #11 of the 15 analyzed here with a 68.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 27% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Central Christian College of Kansas admits 53% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 469 students.
On cost, Central Christian College of Kansas charges $20,000 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $80,000 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is genuine selectivity paired with an online option.
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS · Public
- Grad rate
- 56%
- Admit rate
- 98%
- In-state
- $5,542
- Out-of-state
- $13,855
At $5,542 a year in-state, Emporia State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 67.9 Hakia Score on a 56% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 67.9, #12 of 15
- 56% graduation rate
- $5,542 in-state vs $13,855 out-of-state
- Admits just 98% of applicants
Based in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #12 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 67.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 56% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Emporia State University admits 98% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 53% rate at Central Christian College of Kansas, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%.
On cost, Emporia State University charges $5,542 a year in-state, roughly 2.5x the $13,855 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $22,168 in tuition for residents, against $55,420 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Benedictine College
Atchison, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 62%
- Admit rate
- 98%
- In-state
- $35,350
- Out-of-state
- $35,350
Benedictine College graduates 62% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 67.9 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 67.9, #13 of 15
- 62% graduation rate
- $35,350 tuition
- Admits just 98% of applicants
Benedictine College is a private, nonprofit institution in Atchison, KS. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #13 of the 15 analyzed here with a 67.9 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 62% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. Benedictine College admits 98% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 53% rate at Central Christian College of Kansas, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%.
On cost, Benedictine College charges $35,350 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $141,400 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 54%
- Admit rate
- 79%
- In-state
- $36,174
- Out-of-state
- $36,174
MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates 54% of its students, above the 52% average across this ranking, on a 67.7 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 67.7, #14 of 15
- 54% graduation rate
- $36,174 tuition
- Admits just 79% of applicants
Based in Olathe, KS, MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #14 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 67.7 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 54% of its students, above the 52% average across the ranked schools. MidAmerica Nazarene University admits 79% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 53% rate at Central Christian College of Kansas, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%.
On cost, MidAmerica Nazarene University charges $36,174 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $144,696 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 48%
- Admit rate
- 90%
- In-state
- $4,704
- Out-of-state
- $16,522
At $4,704 a year in-state, Fort Hays State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 67.4 Hakia Score on a 48% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 67.4, #15 of 15
- 48% graduation rate
- $4,704 in-state vs $16,522 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Fort Hays State University is a public institution in Hays, KS. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #15 of the 15 analyzed here with a 67.4 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 71 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 48% of its students, below the 52% average across the ranked schools. Fort Hays State University admits 90% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 53% rate at Central Christian College of Kansas, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 27% to 71%.
On cost, Fort Hays State University charges $4,704 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $16,522 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $18,816 in tuition for residents, against $66,088 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $4,704 at Fort Hays State University to $36,174 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
What a Bachelor of Accounting Costs in Kansas
In-state tuition among the 15 ranked accounting programs in Kansas runs from $4,704 to $36,174 a year. Fort Hays State University anchors the low end at $4,704, while MidAmerica Nazarene University sits at the top at $36,174. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $18,816 in tuition at the low end against roughly $144,696 at the high end for the same bachelor of accounting. Against the national median of $87,660 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes an accounting degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Online Accounting Options in Kansas
3 of the 15 ranked Kansas programs offer a confirmed online or distance-education option, which widens access for working students who cannot relocate. An accredited online accounting degree carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
What changes online is flexibility, not the credential. Before committing, confirm whether courses are self-paced, whether any on-campus intensives are required, and whether the online section charges the in-state rate to every student, which can erase the residency discount that makes a nearby public so cheap.
Accounting Careers and Pay After a Kansas Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $87,660 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $4,704 or $36,174 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked Kansas program compete in that same national pay structure.
Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best accounting bachelor's degree in Kansas?
By Hakia Score, Kansas State University ranks first among the 15 accounting programs in Kansas we analyzed, with an 82.7 score and a 71% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does an accounting bachelor's degree cost in Kansas?
In-state tuition among the ranked Kansas programs runs from $4,704 to $36,174 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online accounting bachelor's degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $87,660 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Kansas-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
How We Rank Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.