Online Colleges in Kansas
Compare all of the best distance education colleges located in Kansas to pursue an online bachelors degree, associates, or online masters program degree. Including cost of tuition, degrees they offer, enrollment rates, faculty, famous alumni, and more.
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Baker University
Baldwin City, Kansas
- 2,689 Total Students
- 82% Acceptance Rate
- 25% Enrollment Rate
- 12 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 903 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
A Private university, Baker was established in 1858 and was the first university to have been officially founded in all of Kansas. It was the efforts of the Methodist ministers to provide for educational needs of the region and with the donations that came locally and from the east regions, the institute was set up in Baldwin. It was named ‘Baker’ in the honor of Osmon Cleander Baker, a renowned scholar and bishop of Methodist Episcopal. Presently, the university operates campuses in all seven campuses in Kansas and Missouri.
Baker University has interesting traditions that have come a long way since the time of its establishment. It is a matter of Pride that one of the campus buildings, Parmenter Hall received personal donations from Abraham Lincoln; and also the historic Osborne Chapel was dedicated from Margaret Thatcher. For its academic contributions and a beautiful campus, it has been referred to as ‘Midwestern Hidden Gem’ by George Will.
The student life at the Baker is all about social and cultural immersion besides the academic. Experiences go beyond the classrooms and so students are involved in student clubs, organizations and community engagements (40 philanthropy events annually). The university offers 75 clubs to choose from which include gaming clubs, Honor societies, academic groups and others. There are also arts and performance groups such as the Loud Noises Improv Troupe. With its affiliation with the United Methodist Church, the university incorporates spiritual and religious life on campus, which includes Ambassador Program which includes off campus visits to church and interaction with the youth. Physical activity is also dominant, with the college having over 15 varsity athletic teams, being a member with NAIA. Its teams are called Wildcats and the campus color is Orange.
Baker offers undergraduate and graduate programs in 41 areas of study covering liberal arts, sciences, education, law, physical health, business and others. Most of the programs offered are also available online. The distinctive buildings present at campus Parmenter Hall and Old Castle Hall, listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Baker School Facts
- Years Estd.1858
- NicknameWildcats
- ColorsOrange
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationUnited Methodist
Famous Baker Alumni
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Andrew Cherng
Business & Industry
Founder of Panda Express
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George LaFrance
Professional Sports
Hall of Fame member of Arena Football League
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Homer A. McCrerey
Politics & Law
Commissioned US Naval Academy officer; also an oceanographer
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Patrick Tubach
Entertainment & Arts
Academy Award nominee for best visual effects, "Star Trek Into Darkness"
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Joseph Little Bristow
Politics & Law
Served as US Senator from Kansas from 1909–1915
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Candice Millard
Education & Advocacy
Writer and journalist; author of "The River of Doubt" and "Destiny of the Republic", New York Times best sellers
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Don Wendell Holter
Social Advocacy & Service
Elected as American Bishop of the United Methodist Church in 1972
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Barclay College
Haviland, Kansas
- 273 Total Students
- 75% Acceptance Rate
- 70% Enrollment Rate
- 11 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 95 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
The earliest traces of Barclay go back to Kansas Central Bible Training School which was founded in 1917 by the Quaker settlers in the region. It was founded by the Friends Haviland Academy seeing a strong need and demand for evangelistic approach for training of individuals to take on missionary work. Gradually it added two year courses to its curriculum and very soon was on the way to becoming a four year institution. Garnering huge support for its work, the college received accreditation was soon named after Robert Barclay, first Quaker theologian.
Barclay College maintains its religious affiliation with the Religious Society of Friends and practices evangelical Christian beliefs, however is open to denomination differences. Because of its wider approach, it aims to instill the same values of understanding and acceptance along with critical thinking and exchange to be prepared for a responsible and fulfilling journey ahead.
For students, life at Barclay does not miss any aspect of campus life. It begins with Chapel which, being a Christian centered college, forms an important part of the daily lives of its students. However being a religiously affiliated college does not mean it’s without arts. It is opposite with Barclay. There are choir as well as drama opportunities but also church music literature which enriches the experience. There are also activities to engage students in Christian Service as it is called. These take place every semester and are mandatory for each student to perform. The college runs its own blog, called BC Juniors and encourages students to share their experiences with each other through the platform. There are Athletic teams as well, called ‘Bears’ and these participate at the NCCAA. The colors sported by the college are Crimson and Gray.
Academics at the college consist of undergraduate and graduate programs; nine Bachelor degree programs and six Master degree programs. There are also two associate programs, one certification program and seven minor choices. These of its programs are available through online means as well. Its distinctive buildings and centers include Worden Memorial Library, Ross Performing Arts Center, Broadhurst Student Center and others.
Barclay School Facts
- Years Estd.1917
- MascotBear
- ColorsCrimson and Gray
- LocationKansas
- AthleticsMidwest Christian College Conference
- Religious AffiliationFriends
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Benedictine College
Atchison, Kansas
- 2,189 Total Students
- 99% Acceptance Rate
- 22% Enrollment Rate
- 13 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 2,345 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
Benedictine started in1858 when the monks of Benedictine order founded a small boarding school as St. Benedict’s College and began classes with only six students. It was in 1856 those monks came to Atchison looking for an opportunity to start a higher education institute in the region. In two years, they succeeded in their mission. By 1868 the institute was incorporated to grant degrees. It also merged with Mount St. Scholastica College (founded 1863) and hence was named as Benedictine College.
The two institutes when combines, each bringing the legacy of Benedictine order along with their years of experience, their knowledge rich resources and their traditions. As a liberal arts college, it aims for excellence in academics and also disciplines its students in their ethical and moral conduct. It is based in Atchison, Kansas.
Life at Benedictine is a balanced mix of spiritual life and college life. There is college ministry as well as mission but also engages its students in spiritual growth through Bible studies and through pilgrimage trips to Rome and also through local pilgrimage. There are artist series as well musicians and their performances. There are also Pope John Paul II speaker series as well. There are various social missions too which sends students on trips to other locations to visit churches and connect with the local community. Then there is Student life at campus which consist majorly of wide ranging student activities, student led organizations and community outreach programs like Hunger Coalition in which students feed the hungry. Student activities include Orientation camp, Mother-Son/Father-Daughter Banquet and Dance for involving parents in the life of their children, Springfest that celebrates spring, and few others. Its athletics teams, ‘Ravens’ participate at the NAIA and the colors are Red and Black.
As part of its academic programs Benedictine offers 49 undergraduate majors and 3 graduate programs. There are also cultural exchange opportunities at the college’s campuses in Florence, Italy campus and the Dublin, Ireland campus. Its notable facilities are Murphy Recreation Center, Mother Teresa Center for Nursing and Health Education and St. Benedict’s Abbey Church.
Benedictine School Facts
- Years Estd.1971 by the merger of Mount St. Scholastica College (1923) andSt. Benedict's College (1858)
- NicknameRavens
- MottoForward. Always Forward.
- ColorsBlack & Red
- LocationKansas
- AthleticsNAIA Heart of America Athletic Conference
- Religious AffiliationRoman Catholic
Famous Benedictine Alumni
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Wangari Maathai
Social Advocacy & Service
Nobel Peace Prize Winner, 2004
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Cyril Fountain
Politics & Law
Chief Justice of the Bahamas from 1995 to 1996
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John Brungardt
Social Advocacy & Service
6th Bishop of Dodge City, Kansas
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Frank Wilcox
Entertainment & Arts
Film and television actor; later became Benedictine trustee
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Patrick Gallagher
Education & Advocacy
16th Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh; formerly served as the 13th Director of NIST and acting Deputy Secretary of Commerce
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Bethany College- Kansas
Lindsborg, Kansas
- 699 Total Students
- 99% Acceptance Rate
- 11% Enrollment Rate
- 13 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 1,650 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
Bethany began as Bethany Academy in 1881. It was the Swedish Lutheran settlers in the area who under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Carl Aaron Swensson came forward to establish the academy. With not many resources, it began instruction in the Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, Kansas, with only 10 students enrolled. As the academy progressed, adding academics and expanding its curriculum, it eventually relocated within Lindsborg, Kansas, and continues to be there.
The college is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). It also continues to be the institute which besides serving the students for their academic needs also aims to preserve its Swedish heritage. As a private small institute it aims to provide individualized attention to each one of its students while also developing their understanding about the faith.
Experience of studying at Bethany College is enhanced through both on campus and off campus engagement. Lindsborg is a place which still maintains Scandinavian heritage and has a rich arts culture. Besides this, there are plenty of campus traditions which bring the students together as one close knitted family. Students have their own chants and cheers based in Swedish mythology, students walk to the Bethany Lutheran Church on their first day as freshmen as a sign of paying homage. It also continues to have Messiah Festival of the Arts, which brings theater and music performances for students to the campus. There are athletic teams of the college, called the ‘Swedes’ and participating at the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The athletic victory is celebrated by ringing of the bell. The official colors of the college are Blue and Gold.
Academic programs at the college consist exclusively of undergraduate programs, including Bachelors, Pre Professional and Certificate. It offers 44 majors and disciplines of study. There are study abroad opportunities as well. Its notable facility is the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, named after Dr. Birger Sandzén, a professor at the college for 52 years.
Bethany School Facts
- Years Estd.1881
- MascotTerrible Swedes
- ColorsBlue and Gold
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationEvangelical Lutheran Church
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Central Christian College of Kansas
McPherson, Kansas
- 1,369 Total Students
- 24 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- Yes Online Programs
A Private evangelical Christian college, Central started as Orleans Seminary in 1884. The college was the product of efforts of preacher Rev. C.M. Damon and his wife, who began the seminary as an institute offering education from elementary level up to high school. By early 20th century, the institute had added college education and started its progress towards becoming a present day higher education institute, the turning point was in 1991 when it was accredited by North Central Association to award Bachelors degree.
It was renamed to Central Christian College of Kansas in 1999 and came to be situated in McPherson, Kansas early on in 1914. At the foundation of the college lie the Christian values of duty and service, which it further integrates with the importance of excelling at knowledge acquisition and effective application of that knowledge to forward God’s mission and also take communities forward.
With a small community of students, Central provides every experience and opportunity its students need in order to move ahead in the leadership and civic duty. Taking the experience if its students outside the classrooms, the college offers student clubs and organizations, nine of them, but which cover honor society, as well as academic, music, science, as well as literary clubs. There is Student Activity Council which brings events to the campus engaging students in spiritual formation through Chapel, Biblical communities, and other activities. Further on, the campus life also provides recreational opportunities through Intramural sports and athletics. Its athletic teams take part in NAIA and the mascot is the tigers. The campus colors are Central Blue and Tiger Gold. It is affiliated with Free Methodist Church.
The academic program offerings include undergraduate programs both on campus and through online means. It offers 14 fields of study and an Associate degree program. It offers eight fields of study through its online education. The most prestigious facility at CBC is Briner Library, Gillespie Hall, Kline Hall, Parsons Hall and Stoll Hall.
Central School Facts
- Years Estd.1884 (1884)
- NicknameCCC
- MascotTigers
- MottoChrist-Centered Education for Character
- ColorsBlue and Gold
- LocationKansas
- AthleticsNAIA (Independent)NCCAA
- Religious AffiliationFree Methodist
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Donnelly College
Kansas City, Kansas
- 382 Total Students
- 10 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- Yes Online Programs
Donnelly is an independent Catholic higher education institute that was founded in year 1949 by brother and sister, Bishop George Donnelly and Jerome Keeler. It started off by offering only associate degree programs to its students but gradually added more. It not only expanded its academic base by adding bachelor’s degree programs but also made great improvements in its physical facilities and in 2001 was designated as the Hispanic Serving Institution and Minority Serving Institution.
Donnelly College is based in Kansas City, Kansas and is an institute where the mission of God is not only limited to academic pursuit but is applied practically as students are taught to be active in their communities and responsible of their duties.
Campus life at Donnelly is a unique mix of learning, serving as well as having fun with each other as students engage in a variety of activities. Also, students find their faculty taking active participation in their campus life which extends outside classroom. There are also various student led clubs and associations on campus and students choose to be part of them as per their interest. Having an active share in improvement of life on campus is the student Senate and Student Activities Committee. Both of these offer leadership positions for students who are looking to work for their fellow students. The college also aims to connect its students to the community by engaging them in tutoring activities or being part of a physical activity such as working for a community garden. Students also find faith based activities and an active spiritual life. The students also get to celebrate some of the college’s unique traditions and events which bring fun to the campus and include Thank & Giving, Welcome Week, SHINE, Dime, Gratia and more.
Academic programs offered by Donnelly consist of undergraduate programs including three Bachelors degree program and three Associate degree programs. Its notable facility is the Tant Memorial Library.
Donnelly School Facts
- LocationKansas
- AthleticsIntramural
- Religious AffiliationRoman Catholic
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Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
- 6,094 Total Students
- 87% Acceptance Rate
- 49% Enrollment Rate
- 18 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 1,736 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
Emporia State University (ESU), formerly known as Kansan University, was established in 1863 in Emporia, Kansas. It is the third oldest among the six public universities of Kansas state. The university currently has 70 buildings built on its 218 acre campus. The university has one of the only four post-secondary institutes identified as Exemplary Teacher Education program by Arthur Levine in 2006. The first graduating class at ESU included only 2 students; Ellen Plumb and Mary J. Watson. They were taught at its establishment by only one teacher Lyman Kellogg who was also the first president of the university. It wasn’t until 1977 that the university got its current name; Emporia State University.
The majority of the campus buildings are dedicated to the memorial of notable people or historical events. Examples for such buildings include Beach Music Hall named after a distinguished music professor at the university, Bruekelman-Cram science Hall of physical sciences, Cremer hall named after the first graduate of ESU’s school of business and John E. King hall which is named after the 11th president of ESU. The campus also includes The ESU Memorial Union building, which was built as a memorial to ESU students who died in the World War I. The building is the students’ activity center of the university. The campus colors are gold and black. In 1933, the university mascot was designed by Sophomore Edwards in the form of a human-like hornet that was called corky the hornet.
The university states its mission to be as follows: “Preparing students for lifelong learning, rewarding careers, and adaptive leadership”. It offers 80 different study courses through four distinctive schools including the Teachers College and the School of Library and Information Management, commonly known as SLIM. ESU business school which opened Koch center, a center dedicated to deliver courses focusing on entrepreneurial management. The university also offers several distant learning online courses.
ESU School Facts
- Years Estd.March 7, 1863 (1863-03-07)
- NicknameHornets
- MascotCorky the Hornet
- MottoI'm A Hornet
- ColorsBlack and Gold
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationNot applicable
Famous ESU Alumni
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William J. Durham
Politics & Law
African American leader of the Civil Rights movement
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Kay Alden
Entertainment & Arts
a television writer and winner of Emmy Award for five times
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William Coffin Coleman
Business & Industry
founder of Coleman Company
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Dale Burnett
Professional Sports
former player for the New York Giants at the National Football League
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Al Feuerbach
Professional Sports
Olympian and holder of the world record in the shot put
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Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
- 14,210 Total Students
- 86% Acceptance Rate
- 48% Enrollment Rate
- 16 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 2,337 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a coeducational public institute that is established in Hays, Kansas. It was established in 1902 as a branch of Kansas State Normal School (KSNS) which is currently known as Emporia State University. The original location of the KSNS was Fort Hays grounds. It provided the new inhabitants the required educational services at that time. FHSU moved to its current location in 1904 when the first building in the campus was completed. It was established initially as an agricultural based school but was immediately changed to a normal school. FHSU was boosted by an agricultural experiment station. The University Dairy Unit used to provide the university’s cafeteria by fresh milk on a daily basis for long years.
The university campus occupies around 200 acres of total 4,160 acres that are possessed by the state. The campus lies just at the western side of the Hays business district and only 2 miles away from Interstate 70. The campus is distinguished by the presence of a winding stream of Big Creeks that acts as a natural laboratory for the biological sciences students besides enhancing the campus’s beauty. FHSU campus includes Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Its mission is to forward an assessment and recognition of the natural history of the Mother Earth and the imposes that could affect the Earth.
The university mission is to supply both the national and the global community with attainable high standard education through the creative society comprised of outstanding faculty and professionals.
FHSU currently offers more than 40 undergraduate programs with more than 80 concentrations, 19 master’s degrees, 2 graduate certificates and only one doctoral degree. It consists of 5 colleges, the most popular among them are Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship and Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics.
FHSU School Facts
- Years Estd.1902 (1902)
- NicknameTigers
- MascotVictor E. Tiger
- MottoForward thinking. World ready.
- ColorsBlack & Gold
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationNot applicable
Famous FHSU Alumni
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Tim McCarty
Professional Sports
An American football player and coach. Former football coach of Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas and current coach of East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.
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Frankie Leon Neal
Entertainment & Arts
An American football player. A former player in the Green Bay Packers of the NFL, the University of Florida and Fort Hays State University.
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Nola Ochs
Politics & Law
An American woman and a recorded person in Guinness World Records to be the oldest college graduate.
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Kathryn Ellen O'Loughlin
Politics & Law
A former representative from Kansas and the first member to join the Congress from Kansas.
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Friends University
Wichita, Kansas
- 1,929 Total Students
- 57% Acceptance Rate
- 37% Enrollment Rate
- 11 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 730 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
Friends University was established in 1898 as a non-denominational Christian university. The main university building was built 12 years before its establishment and was originally dedicated to Garfield University which started its first class in 1887. Garfield University was terminally closed in 1893 due to financial difficulties. The building was transferred to become a property of Edgar Harding from Boston who sold it James Davis from St. Louis. James Davis was a Quaker and donated the building to the university along with a donation of one million dollar. He also sought purchasing the land which was completed in 1898. The university is managed since 1930 by an independent board of trustees.
Currently, the university is located on a piece of land covering around 55 acres in Wichita, Kansas. The campus has a variety of distinctive old and modern buildings including the historical Davis Administration Building, the modern Green Residence Hall and the Casado Campus Center which is the center for the students activities in the university. Other buildings include Adair-Austin Stadium, Edmund Stanely Library, Falcon Flats, Garvey Art Center, Green Residence Hall, J.R and Gertude Smith Apartments, Olive White Garvey Business and Technology Building, Sumpter Hall, William Penn Science Building and Sebits Science Hall. The official colors of the campus are Scarlet and Grey while its mascot is Freddy the Falcon. Its athletic teams, the falcons, compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
The University offers 35 undergraduate programs, 6 adult undergraduate programs and 9 graduate programs through two colleges in addition to the graduate school. most of the adult programs and the graduate programs are offered in one night per week or through online learning. The programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the University was accepted into the commission’s Academic Quality Improvement Program.
Friends School Facts
- Years Estd.1898
- NicknameFalcons
- MascotFreddy the Falcon
- ColorsScarlet and Gray
- LocationKansas
- AthleticsNAIA Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference
- Religious AffiliationNot applicable
Famous Friends Alumni
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Page Belcher
Politics & Law
former congressman from Oklahoma
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Bruce P. Blake
Education & Advocacy
former president of Southwestern College
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R. C. Buford
Professional Sports
general manager of San Antonio Spurs
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Rich Mullins
Social Advocacy & Service
christian singer and songwriter
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Vernon L. Smith
Nobel prize laureate in economics
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Grantham University
Lenexa, Kansas
- 11,721 Total Students
- 18 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- Yes Online Programs
Grantham University is a private for-profit university founded in 1951 under the name of Grantham Radio Licensing School. Donald Grantham founded the school in Los Angeles, California to offer Federal Communications Commission license courses to veterans of the World War II. later several locations were established for the school in Washington DC, Kansas City, California, Hollywood and Seattle. In 1961, the school was formally recognized by U.S. Department of Education and was named Grantham School of Electronics. Seven years later, the school was renamed to Grantham School of Engineering. After 1974, the school started to shut all of its location and consolidate all of its activities to Los Angeles campus and started to offer only distant learning programs. The university then moved to Slidell after they got approval in 1993 from Louisiana Board of Regents. During Hurricane Katrina, around 80% of the main campus in Louisiana was destroyed. Staff members and employees moved in few days to operate from a temporary location in Kansas City and continued to serve the students without any interruptions as described by Harvard International Reviews. Afterwards, the university decided to consider the campus in Kansas City as permanent location and got approval from Missouri Department of Higher Education.
The university is currently divided into four colleges including Mark Skousen School of Business. It offers 18 undergraduate degree, 15 master’s degree and 9 associate degree programs. The school got accredited in late 2015 by IACBE. It is has been ranked 13th out of 27 universities by eLearning Distant University Ranking. It was also ranked among the top 100 colleges in the list “Best for Vets: Colleges 2010” which was published by Military times EDGE. There are 10 different scholarship programs which can financially support enrolled students in addition to financial aid plans.
Grantham School Facts
- Years Estd.1951
- MascotTalon
- MottoPraestantia et Eruditio (Excellence and Knowledge)
- ColorsYellow and blue
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationNot applicable
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Kansas Christian College
Overland Park, Kansas
- 34 Total Students
- 3 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- Yes Online Programs
Kansas Christian College, commonly known as KCC, is a Church of God affiliated Christian college that is located in Overland Park, Kansas State. It was founded in 1938 by Rev. A. C. Watkins as a bible college at the basement of Church of God (Holiness) in Kansas and it was named Kansas City Bible School. Kansas City Bible School physically expanded in 1941 when it purchased a 12-acres land comprising walkway-connected six building in Southern Johnson County. It moved immediately to its new campus, formerly Uhls Sanitarium campus, and consequently changed its name to Kansas City College and Bible School (KCCBS). KCCBS kept growing over years to establish a new building including classrooms and new chapel for holding the annual camp meeting for the Church of God (Holiness) in 1947. Twelve years later, the college constructed a new grade school classroom to include the current Overland Christian Schools. In 1965, it established three extra buildings to accommodate a new classrooms area, a large gymnasium, a dormitory and a dining area. In 2015, administrators decided to open online degrees in order to facilitate extending educational services to working adults. In addition at the same year, they voted to simplify the college’s name to be Kans as Christian College.
KCC mission is to prepare servant leaders full of passion to saintliness and who are willing to serve God and Christian community. The college campus buildings include Cowen Memorial Auditorium that includes the auditorium and gymnasium besides some administrative and business offices, the 20,000 sq.ft Palmer Education Center that comprises the library and Shaver Hall. In addition to the six main buildings, the campus includes a large green area designed for KCC community to practice different sports.
KCC offers 6 bachelor degrees in more than 10 majors and 15 minors. It also offers online bachelor and associate degrees in some religious majors. In addition, KCC offers some free classes for new students only that can be counted towards their undergraduate degrees later on.
KCC School Facts
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationChurch of God
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Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
- 24,146 Total Students
- 95% Acceptance Rate
- 42% Enrollment Rate
- 19 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 9,178 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
Kansas State University is a public institute offering doctoral degree programs established in 1863, two years only after admission of Kansas to the United States. The college was the state’s land-grant college based on the Morrill Act and was the oldest higher education institute to be established in Kansas. It was initially named as Kansas State Agricultural College. It started as a coeducational institute making it the second to admit women and men equally. In 1873, Kansas was the second college to start offering home economics program. The college moved in 1875 from its original location, which is currently occupied by the National Central Bank of Manhattan, to its current campus. In 1931, the college name was changed to Kansas State College of Agriculture and Applied Science before being renamed finally in 1959 to Kansas State University of Agriculture and Applied Science reflecting its growth in admission and programs. It is commonly known in practical and legal matters as Kansas State University.
Kansas main campus is located in Manhattan, Kansas covering 668 acres. The campus buildings are mainly made of native limestone. It has several buildings built before 1910, some of them are listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings as the Anderson Hall that was built on three stages between 1877 and 1885. Other distinctive buildings on campus include Seaton Hall which is the oldest building on campus, Hale Library, Eisenhower Hall and Dickens Hall. The university also operates a branch campus in Salina called Kansas State Polytechnic Campus which was formerly Kansas Technical Institute before it was merged with the university. Kansas State official color is royal purple while its mascot is called Wildcats. Its athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I and the Big 12 Conference.
The university is divided into 9 colleges and 65 academic departments. It offers undergraduate degrees in more than 250 majors in addition to 65 master’s degree and about 50 doctoral degree programs.
K-State School Facts
- Years Estd.February 16, 1863 (1863-02-16)
- NicknameWildcats
- MascotWillie the Wildcat
- MottoRule by Obeying Nature's Laws
- ColorsRoyal purple
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationNot applicable
Famous K-State Alumni
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Ernest Fox Nichols
Science & Medicine
former president of Dartmouth College and MIT
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Kirstie Alley
Entertainment & Arts
actress and winner of two Emmy Awards
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James Harbord
Politics & Law
Major General during World War I
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Jim Geringer
Politics & Law
former governor of Wyoming
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Joseph Boakai
Politics & Law
Vice President of Liberia
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Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina, Kansas
- 748 Total Students
- 62% Acceptance Rate
- 32% Enrollment Rate
- 13 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 818 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
Kansas Wesleyan University is a small private Christian based college located in Salina, Kansas. The university was founded in 1886 by a group of businessmen and church leaders. During its early days, many of the staff and students were members of the First United Methodist Church however, they were unable to attend services due to the lack of transportation means. Consequently, university members provided donation to support the establishment of a church in a building across the street which was opened in 1917 under the name of University United Methodist Church. The university states its mission is to offer environment that supports and promotes academic excellence, personal wellbeing, spiritual development and social responsibility.
Kansas Wesleyan campus is located in Salina, Kansas covering 28 acres. The campus includes several distinctive buildings and locations as Wislon Hall, Wesley Hall, North Hall, Kirwin House, Randy and Mary Ann St. Clair President’s Pavilion, Graves Family Complex, Muir Gymnasium, Memorial Library, John Hauptli Student Center, Everett Morgan Strength Training Center and Peters Science Hall among others. The university official colors are purple and gold while its mascot is called Coyotes. Its athletic teams compete in NAIA and KCAC.
Kansas Wesleyan is divided into six divisions and 18 departments offering undergraduate programs in 46 majors in addition to MBA graduate program. The university also offers pre-professional courses and several online courses. Students are offered the option to join the Wesleyan Journey were courses are offered off-campus during an adventure trip to various locations without any additional fees. The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Kansas State Department of Education in addition to other organizations accrediting specific programs. Almost all students enrolled at the university receive some sort of financial support.
Kansas Wesleyan School Facts
- Years Estd.September 15, 1886 (1886-09-15)
- NicknameCoyotes
- Motto Eng.Victory not without Toil
- ColorsPurple and gold
- LocationKansas
- AthleticsNAIA KCAC
- Religious AffiliationUnited Methodist
Famous Kansas Wesleyan Alumni
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Rebecca Chopp
Education & Advocacy
President of the University of Denver
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Thomas Craven
Entertainment & Arts
anti-modernist art critic and historian
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Bill Graves
Politics & Law
former governor of Kansas
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Wes Jackson
Social Advocacy & Service
founder of the Land Institute
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Bill Wheatley
Professional Sports
former basketball player
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Manhattan Christian College
Manhattan, Kansas
- 308 Total Students
- 82% Acceptance Rate
- 48% Enrollment Rate
- 17 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 202 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
Manhattan Christian College is a private college for religious education located in Manhattan, Kansas. It was established in 1927 by Dr. Eugene C. Sanderson under the name of Christian Workers University. The name of the college was changed to Manhattan Bible College and Manhattan Christian College in 1930 and 1971, respectively. In 1962, the College became a member of the Midwest Christian College Conference. Six years later, the college made an agreement for a dual-degree program with Kansas State University. In 1976, the college purchased Sanderson Hall as a men’s residence hall. In the following year, Manhattan Christian hosted First Woman’s World convention. In 1995, the Sanderson Hall was closed as a residence hall. In the following year, the college started its general education courses for adults entitled BRIDGE. In 2000, the college received accreditation from North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and received accreditation for its online programs from HLC & ABHE nine years later.
The college was formerly affiliated to nondenominational, independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ of the Restoration Movement. It aims at preparing the students to be servant leaders following the model of Christ. Manhattan Campus provides distinctive buildings and facilities to the students as Kenoyer Hall, Coffin Memorial Campus Center, Evans Apartments, Rebekah House, 1445 Laramie, Daniel House, Bell Tower, Johnson Hall, Joliffe Hall, Coffin Hall, Sanders Apartments and 1423 Fairchild. Its athletic teams, who are nicknamed Thunder, compete in in the National Christian College Athletic Association Division II and is a member of the Midwest Christian College Conference.
The college offers single and dual degrees programs in addition to the Leadership Education for Adult Development (LEAD) degree program. The college also offers adult education programs both online and on campus.
MCC School Facts
- Years Estd.1927
- NicknameThunder
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationChristian Churches and Churches of Christ
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MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, Kansas
- 1,884 Total Students
- 61% Acceptance Rate
- 34% Enrollment Rate
- 7 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 898 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private Christian higher education institute for liberal arts. It was founded by the Church of the Nazarene in 1966 under the name of Mid-America Nazarene College. The first class started two years later with 263 students. In 1969, the college received accreditation from the state of Kansas as a four year college. The name was changed in 1996 to its current one. In 2007, the university established the Bell Cultural Events Center. In 2012, Pioneer Pete was chosen as the university mascot. The college gets financial support from the Nazarene churches in its surrounding region as all of them provide part of their budget to their local school. The university is dedicated to the North Central Region of the United States.
MidAmerica Nazarene states that its mission is to build Christlike community supporting the academic development of the students with emphasis on community service. The university main campus is located in Olathe, Kansas covering 105 acre piece of land that was donated by Robert R. Osborne. The campus offers several distinctive buildings as Stockton Hall, Rice Hall, Uphaus Hall, Spindle Hall, Draper Hall, Ramsey Hall, Colony West, Mur-Len Office Building and Weatherby Chapel. It has also two branch location called Santa Fe Commons Site and Liberty Site. The official colors of the university are scarlet, white, and navy blue. Its athletic teams, who are called Pioneers, compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I Heart of America Athletic Conference.
The university offers undergraduate programs in 40 different majors. It also offers 7 professional programs that grant accelerated associate degrees, accelerated bachelor degrees and degree completion. In addition, the university offers 13 master’s degree and certificate programs. It is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
MNU School Facts
- Years Estd.1966
- NicknameThe Pioneers
- MascotPioneer
- MottoTo Learn, to Serve, to Be
- ColorsRed, White, Blue
- LocationKansas
- AthleticsNAIA HAAC
- Religious AffiliationChurch of the Nazarene
Famous MNU Alumni
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Shayna Baszler
Professional Sports
professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC
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Vince Snowbarger
Entertainment & Arts
author and historian
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Newman University
Wichita, Kansas
- 3,595 Total Students
- 56% Acceptance Rate
- 23% Enrollment Rate
- 14 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 1,267 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
Newman University is a coeducational private catholic university for liberal arts. The university was established in 1933 by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ as a female only college that was initially named Sacred Heart Junior College. The college first started accepting male students in 1959 and became fully coeducational in 1965. Two years later, the college was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary schools. In 1973, the name of the college was changed to Kansas Newman College in honor of John Henry Cardinal Newman. The college achieved the university status in 1998 and accordingly the name was changed to the current one. In 2008, the statue of Adorers of the Blood of Christ founder St. Maria De Mattias was dedicated on campus.
Newman campus is located in Wichita, Kansas covering 61 acres. The campus offers several distinctive buildings and facilities including Sacred Heart building which hosts the administration and St. John’s Chapel, Dugan Library and Student Center, Eck Hall, Heimerman Science Center, McNeill Hall, Mabee Dining Center, De Mattias Fine Arts Center and O’Shaughnessy Hall. The campus offers several residential halls including Carrocci Hall, Beata Hall and Merlini Hall. The university athletic teams, who are nicknamed the Jets, compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II as members of Heartland Conference. The official colors of the university are Newman blue and red while its mascot is called Johny Jet.
Newman offers 48 undergraduate programs including 9 pre-professional programs. It also offers 6 graduate programs. The university grants bachelor, associate and master’s degrees. The university offers several scholarships to enrolled students including the Cardinal Newman Scholarship, the Presidential Scholarship and the ASC Community Leader Scholarship.
Newman School Facts
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationRoman Catholic
Famous Newman Alumni
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Alex Ciabattoni
Professional Sports
professional basketball player
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Tony Fulton
Politics & Law
former Nebraska state legislator
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Issoufou Idrissa
Professional Sports
Nigerian soccer player
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Tom Malone
Politics & Law
Kansas Court of Appeals judge
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Clare Vanderpool
Entertainment & Arts
American children's book author who won Newbery Medal for his book "Moon Over Manifest"
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Ottawa University
Ottawa, Kansas
- 664 Total Students
- 41% Acceptance Rate
- 39% Enrollment Rate
- 18 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 1,002 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
Ottawa University is a private non-profit Christian university. The board of trustees for the university was formed in 1862 including 4 Native Americans and 2 White Baptists. The current name was adopted in replacement of the originally decided name which was decided to be “Roger Williams University”. The board decided also to purchase 5,000 acres for establishment of the campus which was later decreased to 640 acres only. The first building on campus was completed in 1869; however, the building was destroyed completely by fire 6 years later. It was reestablished in the following year. In 1886, the college held its first commencement with only one graduating student. In 1974, the university established a branch campus for adult education in Kansas City. Three years later, another campus was established in Phoenix, Arizona followed by establishment of additional campuses in Wisconsin and Jeffersonville, Indiana in 1992 and 2002, respectively.
The university states that its mission is to prepare its students to achieve personal significance, vocational fulfillment and to serve God. The university main campus, which is commonly as the “Residential College” or “The College”, offers several distinctive buildings and facilities including Atkinson Hall, Behan Hall, Bennett Hall, Braves Athletic Performance Center, Brown Hall, Dick Peters Sports Complex, Fredrickson Chapel, Gibson Student Center, Hull Center for Athletics and Mabee Center. The campus library is known as Gangwish Library, and is located within Gibson Student Center. The university athletic teams, who are known as Ottawa Braves, compete in the the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference as members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The official colors of the university are brown and gold.
The university is divided into 3 schools offering graduate and undergraduate programs in 25 disciplines. It grants bachelor and master’s degrees. Ottawa is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ottawa School Facts
- Years Estd.1865
- NicknameBraves
- MottoVeritas vos liberabit
- Motto Eng.The Truth Will Set You Free
- ColorsGold Black
- LocationKansas
- AthleticsOttawa Braves
- Religious AffiliationAmerican Baptist
Famous Ottawa Alumni
-
Derrick Ward
Professional Sports
National Football League player
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Timon Marshall
Professional Sports
Arena Football League player
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Wayne Angell
Politics & Law
former Federal Reserve governor
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Howard K. Gloyd
Science & Medicine
herpetologist who described several new species of reptiles
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Leonard Erickson
Science & Medicine
researcher of DNA repair
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Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas
- 7,244 Total Students
- 81% Acceptance Rate
- 48% Enrollment Rate
- 18 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 2,697 Total Applicants
- Yes Online Programs
Pittsburg State University (Pitt State) is a public higher education institute located in Pittsburg, Kansas. The university was established in 1903 as a branch of the State Normal School of Emporia. It was then known as the Auxiliary Manual Training Normal School. Ten years later, the school became an independent 4-year college and changed its name to Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg. In 1959, the college name was changed to Kansas State College of Pittsburg to reflect the growth of its programs beyond teacher training. It finally achieved the university status and gained its current name in 1977. In the following year, the college decided to close Carney Hall which was used as performance facility due to its deterioration. In 2014, the university opened Bicknell Family Center for the Arts which hosts Linda & Lee Scott Performance Hall, 250-seat theatre and an art gallery.
Pitt State campus covers 223 acres in southeast Kansas. It hosts Kansas Technology Center which is the largest academic building in Kansas built at a cost of $30 million. Other prominent buildings on campus include Axe Library, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, Bowen Hall, George Brooker Memorial Sundial, Centennial Bell Tower, Dellinger Hall, Grubbs Hall and Hartman Hall. Additionally, the university operates a branch campus, the Kansas City Metro Center Campus. It also offers degree programs on the campus of Salina Area Technical College. The university athletic teams, who are known as Gorillas, compete in the NCAA Division II as members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. The official colors of the university are crimson and gold.
The university is divided into 4 schools and college including Kelce College of Business. It offers more than 200 academic programs including online programs. Pitt State offers 2+2 transfer programs that facilitate the transfer of students from community colleges in Kansas to complete their degree in the university.
Pitt State School Facts
- Years Estd.March 6, 1903 (1903-03-06)
- NicknameGorillas
- MascotGus the Gorilla
- MottoBy doing, learn.
- ColorsCrimson and Gold
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationNot applicable
Famous Pitt State Alumni
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Fira Basuki
Entertainment & Arts
Indonesian novelist
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H. Lee Scott
Business & Industry
former President and CEO of Wal-Mart
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Terry Calloway
Politics & Law
former Republican member of the Kansas House of Representatives
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James Tate
Entertainment & Arts
writer who received the 1992 Pulitzer Prize for poetry
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Don Gutteridge
Professional Sports
Major League Baseball player and Manager
All Top Colleges in Kansas
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Bethel College-North Newton
North Newton, Kansas
- 525 Total Students
- 53% Acceptance Rate
- 28% Enrollment Rate
- 10 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 862 Total Applicants
- No Online Programs
Bethel has age long history of its founding. Its predecessor began in 1887 as a teacher training institute. The idea for this institute began with the Russian Mennonites that came as early as 1874 in the region. Previously having the experience of setting up and running schools, they decided to set up one in North Newton, Kansas, where it remains situated to this day. It went through relocation more than once and also shutting down for a year, but finally opened up as Bethel College in 1893 as we know today.
Presently, the college is a liberal arts Christian college, affiliated with the Mennonite Church USA. It seeks to become a place for its students where they enjoin each other not only in education but also in works of leadership and global engagement.
College life at Bethel is a unique combination of prayer, worship and student engagement through activities and events. There are chapel services which are held weekly at the campus, there are study groups and there are hymn sings that bring students together to be involved in development of character and faith. The college also has over 40 student clubs and organisations and a thriving arts culture. Students bring theatre and musical performances and events for their fellow students and also develop their creative skills. There is also close commitment to environmental engagement through its clubs, its recycling program and energy management systems installed on the campus. It also has Forensics participation program for its students. There 14 athletic teams called the ‘Threshers’ that participate at the NAIA. The official campus colours are Maroon and Gray.
Its academic programs include four Bachelor’s Degree choices. There are 34 areas of study and 10 majors for its teacher licensure programs. There are also study abroad programs in 19 institutes across 17 countries worldwide. Its prominent facility is the Krehbiel Science Center, and its administration building which is registered on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bethel School Facts
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationOther
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Cleveland University-Kansas City
Overland Park, Kansas
- 456 Total Students
- 75% Acceptance Rate
- 67% Enrollment Rate
- 5 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 4 Total Applicants
- No Online Programs
CUKC is an institute for chiropractic education that began with the vision of three individuals. Dr. C. S. Cleveland Sr., Dr. Ruth R. Cleveland and Dr. Perl B. Griffin were all Palmer graduates and had achievements in the field of chiropractic. The college was established in 1922 as Central Chiropractic College and by 1951 faced merger with a Los Angeles college and with consolidation with this institute in Kansas City campus in 2011 came to its present state.
Presently, Cleveland University-Kansas City is based in Overland Park, Kansas and is on a mission to provide educational and career development opportunities in the field of healthcare, such that would make a difference for the individuals and the communities they choose to serve.
The university brings a close knit community of faculty, students and staff all bonded by the same commitment of producing successful healthcare practitioners. To engage its students and to welcome them as part of the university, there are student led clubs and organisations that students get involved with. There are 22 such organisations present on campus along with a Student Council, that actively takes part in bringing events and functions for student enjoyment and benefit on campus. Furthermore, there is equal importance laid on the academic performance of each student. For this, there are Counselling for academic assistance but also personal needs. Students are offered extra tutoring as part of academic assistance. For practical skill development as well as serving its community, the Chiropractic Health Center at the campus provides treatment to many patients each year. Students can also be involved in practical training outside of campus at Kansas City CARE Clinic.
At CUKC, the academic program consists of an Associate degree, a Bachelor’s degree program, a Master’s degree program and a Doctoral degree program. There is also Certificate and Concurrent DC/BS Program. Its notable facility is the Ruth R. Cleveland Memorial Library.
CUKC School Facts
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationNot applicable
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Haskell Indian Nations University
Lawrence, Kansas
- 799 Total Students
- 70% Acceptance Rate
- 77% Enrollment Rate
- 16 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 327 Total Applicants
- No Online Programs
Haskell Indian Nations University is administered federally and aims at providing education to members of the Native American Tribes. The University has been established in 1884 as the United States Indian Industrial Training School. It was a residential boarding school where students were separated from their families. Several abuses were documented as children were forced to cut their hair, change their religion to Christianity and to talk English instead of talking native languages. Three years later, the school name was changed to Haskell Institute in honor of Dudley Haskell who made it a semi military school. In 1970, the institute developed a junior college curriculum and its name was changed to Haskell Indian Junior College. It got its current name in 1993 when it started to offer 4-year baccalaureate program in elementary teacher education.
The University campus is located in Lawrence, Kansas with several buildings recognized as National Historic Landmarks. Distinctive buildings on campus include Blalock Hall, Hiawatha Hall, Osceola and Keokuk Halls, Pocahontas Hall, Pontiac Hall, Powhatan Hall, Roe Cloud Hall, Sequoyah Hall, Tecumseh Hall and Winona Hall. Hiawatha Hall was built in 1898 as a Christian chapel making it the oldest building on campus. The official colors of the university are purple and gold. Its athletic teams who are known as the Fighting Indians compete in NAIA as independent teams.
The University is divided into 3 colleges offering Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in addition to associate degrees. There are also centers that support the students during their studies as the Academic Support Center and Student Success Center. Many of the students receiving associate degrees transfer to the University of Kansas. Haskell is a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.
Haskell School Facts
- Years Estd.1884
- NicknameFighting Indians
- ColorsPurple and Gold
- LocationKansas
- AthleticsNAIA Independent
- Religious AffiliationNot applicable
Famous Haskell Alumni
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Chief Kenneth S. Clark Sr.
Social Advocacy & Service
Indian rights activist
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Buck Jones
Professional Sports
American Football player
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Evelyne Bradley
Politics & Law
American Navajo judge
-
Steve Reevis
Entertainment & Arts
Hollywood actor
-
Billy Mills
Professional Sports
winner of Gold medal in Tokyo 1964 summer Olympics
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McPherson College
McPherson, Kansas
- 681 Total Students
- 73% Acceptance Rate
- 41% Enrollment Rate
- 13 to 1 Student to Faculty Ratio
- 656 Total Applicants
- No Online Programs
McPherson College is a higher education institute for liberal arts located in McPherson, Kansas. It was established in 1887 by the Church of the Brethren and classes started in the following year with seven faculty members and 60 students. The Dormitory was the only building available on campus before the beginning of the classes. The main building which was called Sharp Hall was completed in 1898; however, it was used before it was completed. The college got its current name in the same year. In 1926, the college witnessed the synthesis of the first synthetic diamond, one of which is still displayed at the McPherson Museum. The college joined Brethren Colleges Abroad association in 1962. The college received in 1976 donations from Gaines H. “Smokey” Billue to support the construction of Templeton Hall.
McPherson campus covers 23 acres including 5 educational buildings, two administrative buildings and 7 residential halls. Distinctive buildings on campus include Mohler Hall, Miller Library, Church of the Brethren, Dotzour Hall, Friendship Hall, Brown Auditorium, Mingenback Theatre, Hoffman Student Union, Beeghly Hall, Hess Fine Arts Center, Heaston Gazebo, Harnly Garden, Melhorn Hall, Forney Heating Plant, Metzler Hall, Morrison Hall, Bittenger Hall, Templeton Hall, Furnas Center, Harter Hall and Baser Apartments. The official colors of the university are red and white, while its mascot is called Ben the Bulldog. Its athletic teams compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as members of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.
The college offers 20 different programs. The academic year is divided into 3 semesters; 2 four-month semesters separated by January semester. McPherson is the only institute to offer a bachelor-degree program in automotive restoration focusing on methods to restore valuable antique vehicles that were made in the period between 1886 and 1970. McPherson operates off-campus Milwaukee Center which short courses for K-12 educators
McPherson School Facts
- Years Estd.1887
- NicknameBulldogs
- MascotBen the Bulldog
- ColorsRed and White
- LocationKansas
- Religious AffiliationChurch of Brethren
Famous McPherson Alumni
-
Jonathan Coachman
Professional Sports
former All Conference KCAC Basketball player currently working for ESPN
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James Gilbert
Science & Medicine
first large-scale excavator of La Brea Tar Pits
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Harvey Nininger
Professional Sports
father of modern meteoritics
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Duane Pope
Politics & Law
convicted bank robber and murderer who was listed for a short period on the FBI 10 Most Wanted List
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Harry Stine
Business & Industry
founder and owner of Stine Seed
