4 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in Kansas – 2025

10 Ways Exceptional Value Meets Online MBA Affordability in Kansas

If you’re thinking about studying business in Kansas, you should know that affordability and value are major benefits. Kansas offers a variety of business programs that provide a good balance between quality education and cost. MBA programs here usually cost between $15,000 to $35,000, which is much less than the national average of $60,000 to $100,000 for top programs. This lower cost, along with Kansas’s strong industries like agriculture, aerospace, and energy, makes the state an appealing choice for business students. Many programs offer specializations in these key areas, such as agribusiness management, aviation leadership, and renewable energy economics. For example, Kansas State University’s College of Business Administration has a unique focus on global food and agribusiness, supporting the state’s strong agricultural sector.

Kansas business schools are not just affordable—they also have strong connections to local industries, offering students real-world experience and networking opportunities. Graduates from Kansas MBA programs often see significant salary increases, making these programs a great investment. Here a the top 10 benefits of choosing Kansas for your business education.

#1: Industry-Aligned Specializations

Kansas business schools offer specializations that align directly with the state’s key industries. For example, Wichita State University’s W. Frank Barton School of Business has a concentration in aerospace and defense management, leveraging Wichita’s reputation as the “Air Capital of the World.” Similarly, the University of Kansas School of Business offers a specialization in supply chain management and logistics, supporting the state’s strong distribution sector. These programs provide students with industry-specific knowledge, enhancing their job prospects in Kansas’s thriving sectors.

#2: Experiential Learning Opportunities

Kansas business programs emphasize hands-on learning. Fort Hays State University’s College of Business and Entrepreneurship has a robust internship program, placing students in local businesses. Emporia State University’s School of Business offers real-world consulting projects through its Koch Center for Leadership and Ethics. These experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real business challenges, build professional networks, and gain valuable work experience before graduation.

#3: Strong Alumni Networks and Career Services

Kansas business schools have strong alumni networks and comprehensive career services. The University of Kansas School of Business, for instance, has an extensive alumni network offering mentorship and networking events. Washburn University’s School of Business has an Executive-in-Residence program, bringing industry leaders to campus for guest lectures and career coaching. These resources help students explore career paths, secure internships, and build lifelong professional connections.

#4: Innovative Entrepreneurship Programs

Entrepreneurship is a key focus at many Kansas business schools. Kansas State University’s Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship combines classroom learning with real-world startup experience. Wichita State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship offers mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and business plan competitions. These programs equip students with the skills to launch and manage their own ventures, contributing to the state’s economic growth.

#5: Affordable Online and Hybrid Options

Many Kansas business schools offer affordable online and hybrid MBA programs. Fort Hays State University has a highly ranked online MBA program, while Pittsburg State University’s Kelce College of Business offers a hybrid program combining online coursework with occasional on-campus sessions. These options allow working professionals to advance their education without putting their careers on hold, making business education more accessible and affordable.

#6: Focus on Sustainable Business Practices

Kansas business schools are incorporating sustainability into their curricula. The University of Kansas School of Business offers a concentration in Business and Organizational Sustainability, preparing students to lead in environmentally conscious business practices. Emporia State University’s School of Business emphasizes the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit. This focus on sustainability prepares students to tackle environmental challenges in key industries like agriculture and energy.

#7: Cross-Disciplinary Learning Opportunities

Kansas business schools offer cross-disciplinary learning opportunities. Wichita State University’s W. Frank Barton School of Business collaborates with the College of Engineering for a joint MBA/Engineering Management program. Kansas State University’s College of Business Administration partners with the College of Agriculture for specializations in agribusiness. These interdisciplinary approaches provide students with diverse skill sets, making them more versatile and marketable.

#8: Global Business Perspective

Kansas business schools offer a global business perspective. The University of Kansas School of Business has international study tours and exchange programs with universities worldwide. Washburn University’s School of Business includes international case studies and global business simulations in its curriculum. This global focus prepares students to navigate international business challenges and seize global opportunities.

#9: Cutting-Edge Technology Integration

Kansas business schools integrate cutting-edge technology into their programs. Kansas State University’s College of Business Administration has a Financial Trading Lab with Bloomberg terminals. Wichita State University’s W. Frank Barton School of Business offers courses in business analytics and artificial intelligence applications. This focus on technology equips students with digital skills in demand across various sectors.

#10: Community Engagement and Social Impact

Kansas business schools emphasize community engagement and social impact. Emporia State University’s School of Business runs a student-led consulting program for local non-profits and small businesses. Fort Hays State University’s College of Business and Entrepreneurship encourages students to participate in community service projects. This focus develops students’ leadership skills and ethical decision-making abilities, preparing them to make a positive impact in their communities.

Find Affordable Online MBA Programs Now Accepting Kansas Applicants

How We Rank the Best Affordable Online MBA Programs

MBAGuide.org’s ranking methodology combines quantitative data (80%) like student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries with qualitative factors (20%) such as editorial ratings and school reputation. This approach allows us to identify the best MBA programs that offer the greatest relative value within each state, enabling prospective students to find high-quality, cost-effective options tailored to their location and career aspirations.

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