The Best Bachelor's in Marketing Programs in Kansas for 2027
Key Points: Best Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
- University of Kansas ranks #1 in Kansas on a 78.9 Program Score, with a 69% graduation rate.
- The hardest to get into is Kansas Wesleyan University (#4), which admits 72% 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, Emporia State University, ranks #6.
- Programs analyzed
- 7
- In-state tuition range
- $5,542-$36,174
- Average graduation rate
- 56%
- Median salary (BLS)
- $125,470
We analyzed 7 business programs in Kansas on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor's in marketing actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 7 ranked programs in Kansas runs from $5,542 to $36,174 a year, a $30,632 spread for the same credential.
University of Kansas tops the list with a 78.9 Program Score on a 69% graduation rate, at $10,968 a year in-state. Across all 7 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 56%, ranging from 48% to 69%. The national median pay in the field is $125,470 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
How the Top Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kansas Compare
Kansas leads at 78.9, and Saint Mary closes the chart at 60.4. Longer bars rank higher.
How We Rank Marketing 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 7 Best Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kansas, Ranked for 2027
The 7 best Marketing 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
A Bachelor of Science in Business in marketing with a freshman direct-admission path based on an index score of at least 5.55.
- 69% graduation rate
- Program Score 78.9
- $10,968 in-state tuition
- Direct admission at index score 5.55
The page describes the Bachelor of Science in Business (B.S.B.) with a marketing major at the University of Kansas School of Business. Marketing is presented as a mix of analytical ability and creativity, with students learning to identify target segments and design campaigns across product, price, place and promotion. Admission to the school runs through a freshman direct pathway, which uses an index score of ACT divided by 10 plus high school GPA with a required minimum of 5.55, or a pre-business pathway. The degree requires at least 120 credit hours, a professionalism course sequence beginning with BUS 110, and a capstone, MGMT 498. Students need a 2.5 GPA in their major courses to graduate.
Federal data show a 69% graduation rate and an admit rate of 93% at the university. In-state tuition is $10,968, compared with $29,298 for out-of-state students. The program's Program Score is 78.9 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. The program fits students who want a structured business school with a professional development sequence, who can meet the GPA requirements, and who are comfortable applying to the business school separately from the university.
Washburn University
Topeka, KS · Public
- Grad rate
- 53%
- Admit rate
- Open admission
- In-state
- $9,828
- Out-of-state
- $20,832
Washburn University's Marketing BBA has students build marketing plans for area companies, and the school reports its business students score in the 80th percentile on the Major Field Test.
- 53% graduation rate
- Program Score 72.9
- $9,828 in-state tuition
- Client-based marketing projects
Washburn University awards a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing through its Brenneman School of Business. The page describes a customer-centric curriculum built around consumer perceptions and how to influence them. Stated objectives include conducting a consumer behavior audit, positioning an existing product, preparing and defending a marketing plan and a marketing research plan, and understanding the stages of the sales process and global marketing across cultures. Students analyze area companies and create marketing strategies for them, working in small classes with a client-based consultant approach and a relationship with the Washburn Small Business Development Center. Internships and part-time jobs with real companies are described as common. The school reports AACSB accreditation and says its students consistently score in the 80th percentile on the Major Field Test. Minors in data analytics, entrepreneurship and management are listed, and a full-time student can finish in four years.
Washburn in Topeka is an open admission school, so there is no admit rate to weigh. About 53% of students graduate. In-state tuition is $9,828 and out-of-state tuition is $20,832. The program's Program Score of 72.9 out of 100 is the basis for its ranking. It fits students who want a four-year marketing degree with applied client work, plus the option to continue into the university's MBA or master of accountancy.
Benedictine College
Atchison, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 62%
- Admit rate
- 98%
- In-state
- $35,350
- Out-of-state
- $35,350
A Bachelor of Arts in marketing whose stated mission is graduates who communicate persuasively and act with character and compassion.
- 62% graduation rate
- Program Score 70.3
- $35,350 in-state tuition
- Bachelor of Arts in marketing
The page describes a marketing major in the School of Business at Benedictine College, leading to a Bachelor of Arts. The major is built around researching, segmenting and choosing customer markets, then acquiring and growing consumers by delivering superior value. Career fields the program names include advertising agency environments, corporate marketing, sales, research, brand management and publicity. Its stated mission is to prepare graduates who add value to an enterprise by applying business and marketing theory, communicating persuasively and acting with character and compassion. Graduates are expected to analyze diverse customer needs and create strategic marketing plans in a competitive environment. The same department offers majors in accounting, finance, international business and management, plus an MBA, which gives marketing students a broad business setting.
Federal data show a 62% graduation rate and an admit rate of 98%, so nearly every applicant is accepted. Tuition is $35,350 for in-state and out-of-state students alike, since the college is private. The program's Program Score is 70.3 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. With about 2,500 students on campus, the program fits students who want a small, mission-driven business school and a marketing curriculum tied to strategy and customer insight rather than a large research university.
Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 49%
- Admit rate
- 72%
- In-state
- $33,730
- Out-of-state
- $33,730
A Bachelor of Arts in marketing communications that combines branding, advertising, digital media and content development, with an on-campus MBA option after graduation.
- 49% graduation rate
- Program Score 68.7
- $33,730 in-state tuition
- On-campus B.A. with MBA pathway
The page describes a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Communications in the Department of Business at Kansas Wesleyan University, offered on campus. The major combines creativity, strategy and communication, with coursework in marketing principles, branding, advertising, digital media and content development. Students learn through hands-on work, case studies, guest speakers and professor experiences. Graduates are described as pursuing careers in marketing, public relations, social media management, advertising, sales and corporate communications, and the page names marketing research, product management and promotions among the fields. Graduates can continue into the university's MBA, which the school says can be completed in as little as one year, on campus or online.
Federal data show a 49% graduation rate and an admit rate of 72%. Tuition is $33,730 for in-state and out-of-state students alike, since the university is private. The program's Program Score is 68.7 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. With about 1,000 students, the program fits those who want a small campus, a communication-heavy take on marketing and a possible bridge to a quick MBA, and less so those who need an online bachelor's format.
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 54%
- Admit rate
- 79%
- In-state
- $36,174
- Out-of-state
- $36,174
A 126-credit-hour marketing degree where students present plans to real clients and are paired with design students on more than one project.
- 54% graduation rate
- Program Score 66.3
- $36,174 in-state tuition
- 126 credit hours with real-client projects
The page describes a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing at MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU), meeting on site in Olathe. The degree totals 126 credit hours: 42 to 50 in general education, 33 in the business core, 30 in the marketing core and 13 to 21 in electives. Students study product development, advertising, sales and design. They work on projects for local companies, present plans to real clients, complete a team marketing research project and are paired with a design student on more than one project to learn how designers and marketers work together. Faculty apply a Christian worldview to marketing concepts. The school reports that the program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Federal data show a 54% graduation rate and an admit rate of 79%. Tuition is $36,174 for in-state and out-of-state students alike, since the university is private. The program's Program Score is 66.3 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. The program fits students who want client-facing project work, a faith-informed approach to business and a small private campus, and who can attend in person.
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS · Public
- Grad rate
- 56%
- Admit rate
- 98%
- In-state
- $5,542
- Out-of-state
- $13,855
A Bachelor of Science in Business with a marketing concentration that blends core business with creative and analytical marketing, backed by the BizHornet Center.
- 56% graduation rate
- Program Score 65.4
- $5,542 in-state tuition
- BizHornet Center advising and mentoring
The page describes a Bachelor of Science in Business with a marketing concentration in the School of Business at Emporia State University. The concentration pairs a core business background with the creative and analytical sides of marketing, covering the marketing mix, market analysis, marketing research, consumer behavior and promotional strategy. The school lists brand manager, product development manager, fundraiser manager, public relations and media planner among the roles the major prepares students for. Students learn through hands-on experiences such as research opportunities, competitions and student organizations, with faculty and alumni mentorship programs. The BizHornet Center on the first floor of Cremer Hall organizes advising, honor societies, scholarships, competitions and a mentor program, and scholarships are available to School of Business students.
Federal data show a 56% graduation rate and an admit rate of 98%. In-state tuition is $5,542, compared with $13,855 for out-of-state students. The program's Program Score is 65.4 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. The program fits students who want a marketing concentration inside a general business degree at a public university with a low in-state price, and who will use the competitions, student organizations and mentoring that the school highlights.
University of Saint Mary
Leavenworth, KS · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 48%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $34,190
- Out-of-state
- $34,190
A business administration degree with a 30-credit-hour marketing emphasis that includes an internship and a Business Learning Lab coffee shop.
- 48% graduation rate
- Program Score 60.4
- $34,190 in-state tuition
- 30-hour marketing core with internship
The page describes the Business Administration-Marketing major at the University of Saint Mary, where students complete core business administration courses plus an additional 30 credit hours in marketing. Listed coursework includes Principles of Advertising, Consumer Behavior, Professional Social Media Communications, Website Design and Digital Marketing, Marketing Research with Google Analytics, Internship in Marketing and Strategic Marketing. Juniors and seniors work in the Business Learning Lab, where the Spiro's Cup coffee shop lets them take on roles from several business disciplines. The page names marketing, public relations, market research, advertising, brand management, media buying and promotions as career paths. The school reports specialized accreditation of its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
Federal data show a 48% graduation rate and an admit rate of 87%. Tuition is $34,190 for in-state and out-of-state students alike, since the university is private. The program's Program Score is 60.4 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. The program fits students who want digital marketing and analytics coursework in a business degree, value a required internship and hands-on lab, and prefer a small campus of about 1,500 students.
Open admission: the school admits every qualified applicant, so it reports no admit rate.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
The median school on this list graduates 54% 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
- #3 Benedictine College62% graduation rate
- #6 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 Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kansas?
On this list, 1 of 7 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 90%.
- #4 Kansas Wesleyan University72% admitted
- #5 MidAmerica Nazarene University79% admitted
- #7 University of Saint Mary87% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
This list holds 3 public and 4 private nonprofit schools. Their median Program Scores: 72.9 public and 67.5 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.
Campus Size Across the Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kansas
Enrollment on this list runs from 1,021 at Kansas Wesleyan University to 29,792 at University of Kansas. Of the 7, 1 enrolls 20,000 students or more and 5 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kansas Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of KansasKansas | $70,404 | $20,004 |
| #2 | Washburn UniversityWashburn | $65,379 | $11,023 |
| #3 | Benedictine CollegeBenedictine College | $63,361 | $24,687 |
| #6 | Emporia State UniversityEmporia State | $55,527 | $14,364 |
Graduates of Kansas earn the most four years after finishing, a median of $70,404; the lowest figure here is $55,527 at Emporia State.
Kansas leads on both counts: the top rank among these schools and the highest graduate pay.
Net price, what the average aided undergraduate pays after grants, ranges from $11,023 a year at Washburn to $24,687 at Benedictine College.
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's in Marketing Costs in Kansas
In-state tuition among the 7 ranked marketing programs in Kansas runs from $5,542 to $36,174 a year. Emporia State University anchors the low end at $5,542, 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 $22,168 in tuition at the low end against roughly $144,696 at the high end for the same bachelor's in marketing. Against the national median of $125,470 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 Marketing Options in Kansas
None of the 7 ranked Kansas programs has a confirmed online or distance-education option, so students who cannot relocate should confirm the delivery format directly with each school's admissions office. Where an online marketing degree is offered, an accredited one carries the same standing as its on-campus version, since accreditation attaches to the program and school, not the delivery format.
Marketing 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 $125,470 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 $39,672 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.
Keep Exploring
Marketing Bachelor's Programs in Kansas: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best marketing bachelor's degree in Kansas?
By Program Score, University of Kansas ranks first among the 7 marketing programs in Kansas we analyzed, with a 78.9 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 a marketing bachelor's degree cost in Kansas?
In-state tuition among the ranked Kansas programs runs from $4,704 to $39,672 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 marketing 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 $125,470 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.
Data Sources
- U.S. Dept. of Education (IPEDS)
- BLS Occupational Outlook: Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
- BLS Occupational Outlook: Market Research Analysts
- BLS wage data (OEWS)
- AACSB Accreditation
- American Marketing Association
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (earnings by field of study; net price)