The Best Bachelor's in Accounting Programs in Kansas for 2027
Key Points: Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
- University of Kansas ranks #1 in Kansas on an 80.6 Program Score, with a 69% graduation rate.
- The hardest to get into is Central Christian College of Kansas (#6), which admits 53% of applicants.
- Private schools hold most of the places on this list.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, Fort Hays State University, ranks #10.
- Programs analyzed
- 10
- In-state tuition range
- $4,704-$36,174
- Average graduation rate
- 51%
- Median salary (BLS)
- $87,660
We analyzed 10 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 10 ranked programs in Kansas runs from $4,704 to $36,174 a year, a $31,470 spread for the same credential.
University of Kansas tops the list with an 80.6 Program Score on a 69% graduation rate, at $10,968 a year in-state. Across all 10 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 51%, ranging from 27% to 69%. 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.
How the Top Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas Compare
Kansas leads at 80.6, and Fort Hays State closes the chart at 67.4. Longer bars rank higher.
How We Rank Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 10 Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas, Ranked for 2027
The 10 best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas, ranked by outcomes.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS · Public
- Grad rate
- 69%
- Admit rate
- 93%
- In-state
- $10,968
- Out-of-state
- $29,298
University of Kansas awards a Bachelor of Science in Business with an accounting major from an AACSB-accredited school, with a direct-admission index of 5.55 for freshmen.
- 69% graduation rate
- Program Score 80.6
- $10,968 in-state tuition
- Direct admission at a 5.55 index score
The University of Kansas offers accounting as a major within its Bachelor of Science in Business, delivered through the KU School of Business. The page says both the school and its accounting program hold AACSB accreditation. Students enter by one of two routes. Freshmen can be directly admitted with an index score of at least 5.55 (ACT divided by 10, plus high school GPA), or with a GPA above 3.4 on the test-optional path. Everyone else applies through a pre-business pathway that requires sophomore standing, three foundation courses (financial accounting, microeconomics and statistics) and a 2.50 GPA. Admitted students take the business professionalism course sequence alongside the major, and the page describes careers in public accounting firms, corporations and government.
KU reports a 69% graduation rate. About 93% of applicants are admitted, though entry to the business school itself follows the pathways above. Tuition is $10,968 in-state and $29,298 out-of-state. The program has a Program Score of 80.6 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a large public campus, a business-school credential and clear academic benchmarks to meet. Transfer students should check course equivalencies, since the page notes some required courses may only be available at KU.
Newman University
Wichita, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 53%
- Admit rate
- 74%
- In-state
- $35,500
- Out-of-state
- $35,500
Newman University reports that more than 90% of its accounting students who complete internships, many at Koch Industries, are offered full-time positions.
- 53% graduation rate
- Program Score 73
- $35,500 tuition for all students
- Internships at Koch Industries and Cargill
Newman University offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting through its School of Business and Technology, with an accounting minor also available. The page centers on internships in the Wichita business community. It says accounting students complete internships every year at Koch Industries, with more than 90% offered full-time positions upon graduation, and lists Cargill, Spirit, Bombardier, Cessna and Beechcraft among other placements. The internships can touch auditing, taxes, consulting, corporate banking and investments. The school describes the program as practical, taught by experienced faculty, and points to careers at accounting firms and in industry, government or education. Some graduates continue to an MBA, a Master of Science in Accounting or a Master of Taxation.
Newman reports a 53% graduation rate and admits about 74% of applicants. Tuition is $35,500 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program has a Program Score of 73 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It suits students who want a small private campus in Wichita and plan to build experience at local employers before graduating. Prospective students should compare the sticker price with the aid Newman offers.
Washburn University
Topeka, KS · Public
- Grad rate
- 53%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $9,828
- Out-of-state
- $20,832
Washburn University says its accounting students routinely score in the 95th percentile on the national Major Field Test, and offers a 3+2 MAcc at 150 credit hours.
- 53% graduation rate
- Program Score 72.3
- $9,828 in-state tuition
- 3+2 MAcc path to 150 hours
Washburn University offers a BBA with an accounting concentration through the Brenneman School of Business, which the page says is AACSB accredited. It describes preparation for five fields: public accounting, corporate accounting, nonprofits, government and higher education. The school reports that its business students routinely score in the 95th percentile on the Major Field Test in accounting. Full-time students can finish in four years. A 3+2 program lets students work toward the BBA and a Master of Accountancy together, and at 150 credit hours the page says it meets the requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Kansas. The page also cites small class sizes and faculty help with internships.
Washburn reports a 53% graduation rate and is an open admission school. Tuition is $9,828 in-state and $20,832 out-of-state. The program has a Program Score of 72.3 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want an accessible public campus in Topeka, a business-school accreditation and a planned route to the 150 hours the CPA exam requires.
Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 72%
- In-state
- $33,730
- Out-of-state
- $33,730
Kansas Wesleyan University teaches accounting as an on-campus Bachelor of Arts built around four stated learning outcomes, including preparing GAAP financial statements.
- 49% graduation rate
- Program Score 69.8
- $33,730 tuition for all students
- On-campus B.A. in accounting
Kansas Wesleyan University offers accounting as a Bachelor of Arts in its Department of Business, delivered on campus. The page describes hands-on learning through case studies, guest speakers and professor experiences, with study of financial reporting, taxation, auditing and business analysis. It lists four learning outcomes: applying managerial methods to analyze accounting data, using ethical codes in the workplace, communicating financial information clearly to decision-makers, and preparing financial statements under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Graduates are described as prepared for public accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, nonprofits and financial institutions, and the degree is positioned as a foundation for professional certification and advanced study. An accounting minor is also offered.
Kansas Wesleyan reports a 49% graduation rate and admits about 72% of applicants. Tuition is $33,730 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program has a Program Score of 69.8 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a small campus in Salina, in-person instruction and a structured set of outcomes. The page directs students to the course catalog for full requirements, so confirm the credit-hour plan with the school.
Friends University
Wichita, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 43%
- Admit rate
- 55%
- In-state
- $33,552
- Out-of-state
- $33,552
Friends University maps a four-year accounting plan with Federal Taxation, Auditing and a recommended internship, some courses taught at night.
- 43% graduation rate
- Program Score 68.5
- $33,552 tuition
- Four-year course plan
Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, publishes a four-year plan for its accounting major that shows how the degree builds. Freshmen start with Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting alongside writing, business software and math. Sophomores take Intermediate Accounting I and II, with economics and management. Juniors take Cost Accounting and Auditing, and seniors complete Federal Taxation, Accounting Information Systems and Strategic Management and Policy. The plan recommends an accounting internship in the senior year and includes accounting electives. It notes that some business courses are likely to be taught at night. The plan totals 125 to 127 credit hours, and the university requires 124 to graduate. General education includes faith-related courses such as Faith at Friends.
Friends University graduates 43% of its students and admits 55% of applicants. Tuition is $33,552 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program earns a Program Score of 68.5 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It suits students who want a clear semester-by-semester path in a private Wichita university and who may need evening course options.
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 offers a 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Business: Accounting built on a Christ-centered business core.
- 120-credit degree
- Program Score 68.2
- $20,000 tuition
- Phi Beta Lambda chapter
Central Christian College of Kansas in McPherson offers a Bachelor of Science in Business with an accounting emphasis through its Division of Business. The degree totals 120 credit hours: 43 in general education, 36 in a business core, 27 in an accounting core and 14 in open electives. The accounting core includes individual income tax, intermediate accounting I and II, cost accounting, computerized accounting and principles of auditing. The college integrates Christian values and ethics into its business courses. Students can join Phi Beta Lambda, and the page says Central students typically win 35 to 40 awards at the Kansas state conference. The college lists bookkeeping, accountant, financial manager, budget analyst and auditor as possible career paths.
Central Christian graduates 27% of its students and admits 53% of applicants. Tuition is $20,000 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program earns a Program Score of 68.2 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. The graduation rate is low, so prospective students should ask about support and completion. The program fits those who want a small, faith-based business program with an accounting core and the chance to compete in business events.
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS · Public
- Grad rate
- 56%
- Admit rate
- 98%
- In-state
- $5,542
- Out-of-state
- $13,855
Emporia State University's accounting degree sits in an AACSB-accredited School of Business that reports a 100% career outcomes rate one year after graduation.
- $5,542 in-state tuition
- Program Score 67.9
- 56% graduation rate
- AACSB accreditation reported
Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, offers a Bachelor of Science in Business with an accounting major. The school describes the program as preparing students to analyze data, make decisions and sit for the CPA exam, or to help companies make better business decisions. It emphasizes hands-on learning and internship placements, and says accounting students have been hired by Koch, Deloitte, Ernst and Young, KPMG and Grant Thornton. The School of Business reports a career outcomes rate of 100% for graduates one year after graduation and says it has held AACSB accreditation since 2002. The page walks students through Kansas CPA requirements, noting that candidates need at least 150 hours on their transcripts to receive exam results.
Emporia State graduates 56% of its students and admits 98% of applicants. In-state tuition is $5,542 and out-of-state tuition is $13,855. The program earns a Program Score of 67.9 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It suits Kansas residents who want a low in-state price, an accredited business school and a clear picture of CPA requirements.
Benedictine College
Atchison, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 62%
- Admit rate
- 98%
- In-state
- $35,350
- Out-of-state
- $35,350
Benedictine College frames its BA in Accounting around CPA preparation, with many graduates reaching 150 total credits in four years.
- 62% graduation rate
- Program Score 67.9
- $35,350 tuition
- 150-credit CPA planning
Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting through its School of Business. The college describes the degree as an important step toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant and notes that graduates must pass the CPA exam to earn licensure. Many states have required 150 credit hours for licensure, and the page says many Benedictine graduates complete 150 total credits by the end of four years of undergraduate study. Accounting majors work with advisors to build a schedule that fits their goals. The program mission is to develop graduates who add value to an enterprise through business and accounting knowledge, persuasive communication, character and compassion. The School of Business also offers finance, international business, management and marketing.
Benedictine graduates 62% of its students and admits 98% of applicants, so nearly everyone who applies is accepted. Tuition is $35,350 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program has a Program Score of 67.9 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It suits students who want a faith-minded private college, close advising and a plan aimed at the 150-hour CPA path.
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 54%
- Admit rate
- 79%
- In-state
- $36,174
- Out-of-state
- $36,174
MidAmerica Nazarene University lays out its accounting B.A. as 126 credit hours, including a 69-hour accounting major.
- 54% graduation rate
- Program Score 67.7
- $36,174 tuition for all students
- 69-hour accounting major
MidAmerica Nazarene University offers accounting as a Bachelor of Arts that meets on site in Olathe. The page lists a 126 credit hour degree: 42 to 50 hours of general education, a 69-hour accounting major, and 7 to 15 hours of electives. Students study financial accounting, auditing, tax accounting and cost accounting. The school says graduates often pursue the certified public accountant designation or a graduate degree. The page frames the work around competence and integrity, and notes that nearly 100% of new students qualify for some financial assistance, along with payment plan options. A sample schedule and catalog are linked for students who want to map out their courses.
MNU reports a 54% graduation rate and admits about 79% of applicants. Tuition is $36,174 for in-state and out-of-state students alike. The program has a Program Score of 67.7 out of 100, which is the basis of its ranking. It suits students who want a small private campus in the Kansas City area and a major with a large share of accounting coursework. Because the degree runs 126 hours, students aiming for CPA licensure should ask how to reach the additional credit hours many states require.
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 48%
- Admit rate
- 90%
- In-state
- $4,704
- Out-of-state
- $16,522
Fort Hays State University offers its 120-hour BBA in Accounting on campus or online, with in-state tuition of $4,704.
- $4,704 in-state tuition
- Program Score 67.4
- On campus or online
- 120-hour BBA
Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas, offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting of 120 hours, available on campus or online. The page says the curriculum covers financial, cost, auditing, tax and systems accounting and prepares graduates for private industry, government, education, nonprofits and financial institutions. Students can use electives to prepare for credentials such as the CPA, CMA, CIA and CFE. The school stresses real-world applications through simulations and case studies, and encourages internships with accounting firms and local businesses. The page estimates about $3,237.60 per semester on campus or $4,134.75 online, based on 15 credit hours at current per-credit rates.
Fort Hays State graduates 48% of its students and admits 90% of applicants. In-state tuition is $4,704 and out-of-state tuition is $16,522, so residency matters a great deal to price. The program earns a Program Score of 67.4 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits working adults and Kansas residents who need an online or campus option and want to keep tuition low while preparing for professional accounting credentials.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
The median school on this list graduates 53% of its students. The highest rates belong to University of Kansas (69%) and Benedictine College (62%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 University of Kansas69% graduation rate
- #8 Benedictine College62% graduation rate
- #7 Emporia State University56% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas?
On this list, 1 of 10 schools is open-admission, taking every qualified applicant. Every school here that reports an admit rate takes at least half of its applicants; the median is 79%.
- #6 Central Christian College of Kansas53% admitted
- #5 Friends University55% admitted
- #4 Kansas Wesleyan University72% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
This list holds 4 public and 6 private nonprofit schools. Their median Program Scores: 70.1 public and 68.3 private nonprofit.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Where the Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas Are
The 10 ranked schools are spread across 9 cities. Wichita (2) is the only one with more than one ranked school.
Main campus city as reported to IPEDS.
Campus Size Across the Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
Enrollment on this list runs from 469 at Central Christian College of Kansas to 29,792 at University of Kansas. Of the 10, 1 enrolls 20,000 students or more and 7 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of KansasKansas | $84,736 | $20,004 |
| #3 | Washburn UniversityWashburn | $66,900 | $11,023 |
| #5 | Friends UniversityFriends | $63,701 | $26,384 |
| #7 | Emporia State UniversityEmporia State | $65,271 | $14,364 |
| #10 | Fort Hays State UniversityFort Hays State | $63,148 | $16,333 |
Four years out, medians on this list run from $63,148 at Fort Hays State to $84,736 at Kansas.
Kansas leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.
After grants, the average undergraduate pays least at Washburn, $11,023 a year, and most at Friends, $26,384.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
What a Bachelor of Accounting Costs in Kansas
In-state tuition among the 10 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.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Online Accounting Options in Kansas
2 of the 10 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.
- #6 Central Christian College of KansasMcPherson, KS
- #10 Fort Hays State UniversityHays, KS
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
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.
How to Become a CPA in Kansas
Kansas HB 2573 took effect April 23, 2026. A bachelor's with an accounting concentration plus two years of experience verified by an actively licensed CPA now qualifies, and the bachelor's plus 30 more semester hours still qualifies with one.
| Education | Experience | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's with an accounting concentration | 2 years | Available since April 2026 |
| A bachelor's plus 30 semester hours | 1 year | Available |
To sit for the exam: a bachelor's with an accounting concentration, expected within 60 days of the first exam section. Every route also requires passing all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination.
A bachelor's in accounting from this list can now lead to a license in Kansas with no fifth year of coursework, by way of the two-year route. Taking the extra 30 credits now buys a shorter apprenticeship instead, one year of experience rather than two.
Checked against the Kansas Board of Accountancy and the law behind it in October 2026. These rules are changing state by state, so confirm them with the board before you plan a course schedule around them.
Keep Exploring
Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Kansas: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best accounting bachelor's degree in Kansas?
By Program Score, University of Kansas ranks first among the 10 accounting programs in Kansas we analyzed, with an 80.6 score and a 69% 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.