Nursing in Kansas

Kansas nursing programs are mostly located in the state’s larger cities like Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City, and Lawrence. While there are 49 programs across 46 cities, much of western and rural Kansas has limited direct access to nursing education. Many smaller towns rely on community colleges in nearby areas, but students in rural zones may need to travel or consider online options.

The state maintains an average NCLEX pass rate of 85.9%, which is improving but still slightly below the national average. Pass rates vary by program, with stronger outcomes from public universities and weaker performance linked to some smaller for-profit schools. Kansas regulators have increased focus on ensuring program quality and supporting students to improve these results.

Kansas nurses earn an average RN salary of about $76,240, with LPN salaries near $55,610. Earnings differ widely depending on where you work; urban centers and specialty roles pay more, while many rural employers offer bonuses to meet staffing needs. Compared to the U.S. average, Kansas has a lower cost of living, which makes these salaries fairly competitive; but housing and transportation costs vary strongly by region.

Nurses moving to or from Kansas should note the state is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This means a separate Kansas nursing license is required, and license reciprocity with neighboring states is limited. This can affect your ability to work across state lines without extra paperwork.

Tuition costs for nursing programs vary depending on the type of program and school. LPN training typically costs $5,000 to $8,000 at technical colleges. ADN programs run about $8,000 to $15,000 at community colleges, while BSN program tuition ranges from $12,000 up to $45,000, with private schools at the higher end. These figures are affordable relative to national averages but remember to factor in living expenses.

Major healthcare providers like the University of Kansas Health System and Via Christi Health serve as key employers and clinical training sites. They drive local job demand, especially for nurses with specialized skills. Rural hospitals also actively seek new nurses due to ongoing shortages in many areas.

This page offers tools to explore nursing schools by program type, displays recent NCLEX pass rates, and lists scholarships available for students in Kansas. Use this information to find the right program that fits your location, budget, and career goals.