A new study identifies the 'Best Value Colleges' in Kansas.
SmartAsset, a company centered around financial advice, has released its seventh annual study on the colleges that give students the best return on their educational investment. To find the top colleges in Kansas, SmartAsset measured categories, including scholarships provided, starting salary, tuition, living costs and retention rate.
Finishing atop the study's College Education Value Index was Kansas State University, ahead of the University of Kansas. Friends University in Wichita had the lowest value index among the 10 schools in the study.
For Average Scholarships and Grants, #1 on the survey was Baker University in Baldwin City, at nearly $17,000; bringing up the rear in that category was Wichita State at nearly $4,900.
K-State also finished atop the list for Average Starting Salary at nearly $54,000; in last place in that category was Emporia State.
For College Tuition Costs, the most expensive was Southwestern College in Winfield at more than $30,000; the least expensive was Fort Hays State.
The Most Expensive Student Living Costs were at Wichita State, at more than $15,000; the least expensive was Pittsburg State.
And the Student Retention Rate was best at K-State and KU, both at 86%; the worst rate was at Southwestern College (66%).