15 Military Friendly Colleges in Kansas

1 Kansas State University
919 Mid-Campus Dr | Manhattan, KS 66506

Kansas State University provides Non-Traditional and Veteran Student Services (NTVSS), offering support for students throughout their journey—from pre-admission to post-admission. The Veterans Center serves as the hub for the University’s Veteran Student Organization (VSO), providing spaces for relaxation, study, and opportunities to connect with fellow military and veteran students.

K State actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, extending awards of up to $2,000 per year for 75 eligible students.

Veterans are entitled to transfer credits for their military training. The university maintains a 76% retention rate for full-time students benefiting from military assistance and a 55% rate for part-time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,376
Grad: $7,960

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 511
Grad: 104

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 76%
Part Time: 55%

2Grantham University
16025 West 113th St | Lenexa, KS 66219

Grantham University stands as one of the initial military-friendly colleges in Kansas, catering to over 2,000 students benefiting from GI Bill benefits. The university exclusively offers courses and degrees through distance education.

Through the Grantham Heroes Program, military members, first responders, and their spouses and children receive a special Hero tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for both undergraduate and graduate programs. This rate covers textbooks, software, and waives technology fees.

Grantham’s Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapter provides a valuable platform for veteran students to engage and support one another through an online forum. Additionally, the university collaborates with the Veterans Voices Writing Project, offering opportunities for veterans and service members to share their stories.

Participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Grantham University extends an unlimited maximum contribution per year to an unlimited number of students. Furthermore, veterans qualify for transfer credits based on their military training. The university maintains high retention rates for students benefiting from military benefits, with 89% for full-time attendees and 59% for part-time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $4,047
Grad: $2,595

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 1,423
Grad: 298

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 40%
Part Time: 39%

3 University of Kansas
1450 Jayhawk Blvd | Lawrence, KS 66045

The University of Kansas (KU) extends various services tailored for military-connected individuals, encompassing veterans, active duty military personnel, National Guard and Reserves, spouses, dependents, and ROTC cadets. Accessible through the KU Student Veterans of America headquarters, these services are available at the Lt. Gen. William K. Jones Military-Affiliated Student Center (MASC). Within the MASC, there are facilities such as meeting spaces, conference rooms, tutoring areas, and study rooms. Moreover, assistance with VA benefits and other support services is provided.

As part of its commitment, KU actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering an unlimited maximum contribution per year to an unlimited number of students.

Veterans are entitled to receive transfer credits for their military training. The university maintains a 58% retention rate for full-time students benefiting from military benefits and a 62% rate for part-time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,926
Grad: $12,215

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 358
Grad: 189

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 56%
Part Time: 62%

4 Wichita State University
1845 Fairmount St | Wichita, KS 67260

Wichita State University’s Military and Veteran Services helps students learn about and use their Education Benefits. And, WSU participates in Veterans Upward Bound (VUB).

WSU is part of the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 75 students up to $4,000 in grant funds per year, each.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit for military training. The retention rates for students who get military benefits are 65% for full time students and 45% for part time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,417
Grad: $7,104

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 391
Grad: 45

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 65%
Part Time: 45%

5 Washburn University
1700 SW College Ave | Topeka, KS 66621

Washburn University proudly holds the distinction of being a Purple Heart University, an accolade honoring its ongoing dedication to veterans and military members. The university boasts a vibrant hub, the Military-Student Success Center, serving as both a study space and a platform for connecting with peers. Within this center, you’ll discover various services aimed at facilitating the transition into student life.

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Washburn University offers grants to eligible students across different schools. Specifically, five students each from the School of Business and the School of Nursing may receive grants of up to $1,000, while an unlimited number of graduate students at the School of Law could receive an unlimited amount per year. Additionally, five students across the university may receive grants of up to $500.

Veterans have the opportunity to receive transfer credits for their military training. Washburn University maintains a 92% retention rate for full-time students benefiting from military benefits, while the rate for part-time students stands at 17%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,589
Grad: $12,981

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 105
Grad: 25

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 92%
Part Time: 17%

6 Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street | Hays, KS 67601

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers military programs and benefits. These serve both active and veteran military members and their spouses. The school’s “Military and Family Friendly Committee” works to provide a great learning experience. And, the FHSU Student Veterans Association awards a Military and Veterans Scholarship.

FHSU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers an unlimited number of out-of-state students an unlimited max contribution per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit for military training. The retention rates for students receiving military benefits is 82% for full time students and 29% for part time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,138
Grad: $3,397

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 106
Grad: 28

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 82%
Part Time: 29%

7 Pittsburg State University
1701 South Broadway St | Pittsburg, KS 66762

Pittsburg State University extends its support to student veterans through the Veterans Resource Center, a dedicated space on campus designed for relaxation, study, and socializing. This facility comprises three computer stations, study spaces, communal areas, and a convenient kitchenette.

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Pitt State provides grants to ten students annually, offering an unlimited amount to each recipient.

Veterans have the opportunity to receive transfer credits for their military training at Pittsburg State University. The university maintains a 55% retention rate for full-time students benefitting from military benefits and a 50% rate for part-time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,500
Grad: $2,180

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 65
Grad: 20

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 55%
Part Time: 50%

8 Johnson County Community College

12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, Kansas 66210-1299

Johnson County Community College may be a perfect fit for military and veteran students. The Veteran and Military Student Resource Center is a go-to for their support services. JCCC Veteran Services is based on a peer-to-peer concept of “veterans serving veterans.”

All JCCC military students who are seeking a certificate or AAS degree qualify for pre-enrollment. JCCC also grants pre-enrollment privileges to veteran and military students who are seeking an AA or AS degree. 

The college also accepts military training and experience for prior learning credit at no cost to the student. If called to active duty, JCCC does allow for excused absences for if the student follows the required procedures for authorized absences stated in the attendance policy.

If wondering about community there’s the JC Student Veterans of America (JCSVA). It is a recognized JCCC student organization, one of many vibrant clubs and organizations at the College.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $1,576
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 216
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 76%
Part Time: 42%

9 Newman University
3100 McCormick St | Wichita, KS 67213

Newman University is an excellent choice for veterans and their families, providing smaller class sizes and an encouraging learning atmosphere. The university prioritizes individual interaction between students and professors, fostering a supportive environment for learning.

As a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Newman University extends grants of up to $20,000 per year to an unlimited number of students.

Veterans can benefit from transfer credits for their military training at Newman University. The institution maintains a 67% retention rate for full-time students who receive military benefits.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $20,838
Grad: 15,480

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 24
Grad: 9

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 67%
Part Time: N/A

10 Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology

4004 N Webb Rd. Bldg 100, Wichita, Kansas 67226

If thinking about WSU Tech, it’s a school that accepts VA benefits. There are several staff members on hand to answer your questions. WSU Tech is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. As such, you may look into federal financial aid as well.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,994
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 73
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 91%
Part Time: 40%

11 Manhattan Area Technical College

3136 Dickens Ave, Manhattan, Kansas 66503-2499

Manhattan Tech provides a variety of career programs, spanning from auto technology to short-term healthcare programs. The institution emphasizes flexible scheduling, offering classes during both the day and evening, along with traditional and online learning options.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,481
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 42
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 50%
Part Time: 56%

12 MidAmerica Nazarene University
230 E College Way | Olathe, KS 66062

MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) values the contributions of the military. Its Military Financial Aid Program extends discounts and benefits to assist military and veteran students, including active duty personnel, National Guard and Reserves, spouses, and honorably discharged veterans.

MNU actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering an unlimited number of students an unrestricted annual contribution.

Veterans are eligible to receive transfer credits for their military training. The retention rates for students benefiting from military education support are 67% for full-time students and 100% for part-time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $2,758
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 24
Grad: 4

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 67%
Part Time: 100%

13 Barton County Community College

245 NE 30th Road, Great Bend, Kansas 67530

Barton Community College supports veterans and their family members in applying for and using their VA Education Benefits/GI Bill®. 

The school offers both online and on campus programs, many of which could be of interest. For e.g., there’s a Military Certificates Program. It aims to help you grow the technical skills required for duties in the fields of Military Leadership, Military Logistics, and Military Dangerous Materials Handling.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $1,659
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 119
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 70%
Part Time: 41%

14 Emporia State University

1 Kellogg Circle, Emporia, Kansas 66801-5415

Emporia State University offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, accompanied by various on-campus resources catering to personal, social, and academic needs. These resources include Career Services, a Student Advising Center, and a Student Wellness Center.

For military-affiliated students, the hub of support lies within Veterans Education Services. This resource center assists veterans, dependents of veterans, and reservists in navigating tuition benefits. Additionally, if you’re a non-Kansas resident at Emporia State University and fall under categories like current military, military spouse/dependent, or a veteran or spouse/dependent of a veteran who separated from active duty, you might qualify for in-state residency rates.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: 5,323
Grad: $4,537

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 34
Grad: 20

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 83%
Part Time: 20%

15 Butler Community College

901 S Haverhill Rd, El Dorado, Kansas 67042-3280

Butler Community College extends various services tailored for veterans and actively engages with fellow military personnel within its student community.

In addition to aiding individuals in comprehending and utilizing VA benefits, the college facilitates the exchange of college credit for prior military training. Dedicated spaces within the college cater specifically to military service members and veterans.

Moreover, Butler Community College collaborates with the Kansas Army National Guard, providing students multiple avenues to fund their college education. These partnerships aim to help students graduate with minimal or no school debt.

Average

Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $1,290
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 172
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 74%
Part Time: 27%