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Colleges where the most freshmen return in Kansas

Colleges ranked by first-year retention: the share of full-time freshmen who come back for a second year.

Colleges where the most freshmen return in Kansas4 schools

4 schools qualify, ranked by first-year retention.

How this list is made

  • Schools in Kansas.
  • Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
  • Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
  • Has a first-year retention rate from federal data (College Scorecard).
  • Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
  • Ordered by retention rate, highest first.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

  1. 1

    University of Kansas

    Lawrence, KS · Public

    #3 in Kansas

    • 86% of freshmen return
    • 69% graduate
  2. 2

    Kansas State University

    Manhattan, KS · Public

    #4 in Kansas

    • 86% of freshmen return
    • 71% graduate
  3. 3

    Benedictine College

    Atchison, KS · Private nonprofit

    #5 in Kansas

    • 83% of freshmen return
    • 62% graduate
  4. 4

    Hesston College

    Hesston, KS · Private nonprofit

    #2 in Kansas

    • 78% of freshmen return
    • 61% graduate

Compare cost and outcomes

SchoolNet price a yearMedian debtEarnings 10 years outGraduation rate
University of Kansas$18,059$21,000$61,94569%
Kansas State University$19,406$21,250$57,26271%
Benedictine College$27,891$24,599$53,17562%
Hesston College$26,299$12,000$47,49561%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.

This list in other states

The national list → · All top school lists →

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