College Costs in Kansas City, KS 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Kansas City, Kansas. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,000
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$28,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$405
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Kansas City Overview
Population
156,607
Student Population
8,819 (5.6%)
Cost of Living Index
82.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
37/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Kansas City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$93,068
Total After Financial Aid
$93,068
Annual Cost
$23,267
Annual After Aid
$23,267
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $93,068 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,057 |
| Total Interest | $33,744 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,812 |
Universities in Kansas City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City State University | Public | $9,282 |
| University of Kansas City | Public | $9,330 |
| Kansas City Community College | Community | $5,644 |
Kansas City has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Kansas City vs. National Average
| Category | Kansas City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,000 | $10,940 | -$940 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $405 | $1,050 | -$645 |
| Cost of Living Index | 82.5 | 100 | -17.5 |
Kansas City's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Kansas City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
8,819 students
Kansas City has a total population of 156,607, with approximately 8,819 college students (5.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Kansas City offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Kansas City
$27,424
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Kansas City earn a median starting salary of $27,424, which is -$7,576 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $93,068 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,093 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Kansas
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