Introduction
Looking at schools in the state of Kansas for an MPA program can be beneficial for several reasons. First, Kansas generally has lower tuition rates compared to many other states, making it a more affordable option for graduate education. Second, the state offers a close-knit community, providing ample networking opportunities with professionals in public administration, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. MPA programs in Kansas may offer a regional focus on Midwestern issues and challenges, which can be beneficial if you plan to work in the Midwest after graduation.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 3
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 3
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $12,000 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $18,500 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: On-campus, fully online, and hybrid
- Average Starting Salary: $60,000
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- No GRE/GMAT Required
- 100% Online
- HLC Accredited
Walden University
Online Public Policy and Administration Programs
Walden University’s Public Administration programs are taught by a distinguished faculty of scholar-practitioners, many of whom have senior-executive experience in government and public service. Programs include:
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- Top Ranked
- Built for Leaders
Arizona State University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
ASU’s Online Master of Public Administration provides students with a curriculum that covers leadership strategies, ethical decision-making, and effective management across various organizations.
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Military Friendly
- 100% Online
Purdue Global
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Purdue Global’s Online MPA is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop skills and techniques to provide leadership in a wide variety of public service fields.
- Affordable
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Accredited Program
Liberty University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Liberty University’s Master’s Degree in Public Administration Online is designed to equip students with a thorough background in the theories and practices essential for success in government and nonprofit roles. MPA areas of focus include:
- Accredited Programs
- Affordable Degrees
- 100% Online
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Public Administration & Political Science Degrees
Stand up and be counted with a degree in public administration/political science from Southern New Hampshire University—and learn how to facilitate change from within the system. Program offerings include:
NASPAA-Accredited MPA Programs in Kansas
While the “top” university for MPA programs can vary depending on specific criteria and rankings, the University of Kansas (KU) is often recognized for its strong MPA program. Overall, each of the three institutions that offer MPA degrees in the state of Kansas have a high-quality reputation and are accredited by NASPAA:
University of Kansas
- Lawrence, KS.
- 40 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration
Program Overview:
KU’s MPA is a highly respected, NASPAA-accredited program that combines rigorous academic coursework with practical public service training. The School of Public Affairs & Administration is nationally ranked—#1 in Local Government Management, #11 in Public Management & Leadership, and among the Top 25 Public Affairs Schools overall—by U.S. News & World Report. KU boasts a 100% placement rate for MPA graduates within six months of graduation, reflecting strong employer demand and alumni success.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: 40-credit curriculum featuring 15 credits of core coursework, 12 credits from a graduate certificate, 12 elective credits based on student interests, and a final reflective professional transition course.
- Experience: Offers a City/County Management Fellowship, a prestigious pathway including scholarships and attendance to the ICMA annual conference, aimed at developing local government leaders.
- Professional Development: The MPA is housed within KU’s distinguished School of Public Affairs & Administration, offering access to the Public Management Center and rich professional development programming.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, online
- Accreditation: NASPAA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 40
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $437 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $1,047 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Enrollment: 7,700 (total)
Other Considerations:
- KU offers an Accelerated Career-Option MPA and MPA Intern Option designed for rapid professional development in public service and local government roles.
- Access to the Public Management Center adds hands-on training for public sector executives and ongoing professional development.
Kansas State University
- Manhattan, KS.
- 36-37 Credit Hours
- Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
The K-State MPA is a NASPAA-accredited professional degree that equips both pre-service and mid-career professionals with competent administrative skills for careers across public, nonprofit, and international sectors.
The program is delivered through the Department of Political Science and emphasizes flexibility, professionalism, and real-world relevance. Located in a land-grant, R1 research university setting in Manhattan, the program integrates academic rigor with extended public service networks.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: Includes pre-service and in-service tracks, 37 credit hours with internship for pre-service students; 36 credits for in-service professionals. Features a career-focused approach with professional internships arranged through the department.
- Accelerated Option: Offers an accelerated 4+1 pathway, allowing Political Science undergraduates to complete both bachelor’s and MPA in five years.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus only
- Accreditation: NASPA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 36-37
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $9,924 (PYR)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $19,704 (PYR)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- MPA students receive dedicated graduate advising to align academic and career goals, including specialization planning.
- Faculty engage extensively in research areas such as public budgeting, nonprofit finance, and program evaluation, underpinning instruction with real-world relevance.
Wichita State University
- Wichita, KS.
- 39 Credit Hours
- Online + Campus
Program:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
The MPA program at Wichita State University’s Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs is NASPAA-accredited, reflecting national standards of quality and rigorous public service education. Situated within Kansas’ premier urban research university, the program emphasizes a blend of theory and application across public management, finance, and policy—delivered flexibly for working professionals through both in-person and online formats.
Unique Components:
- Curriculum: Students complete 39 graduate credit hours, including 24 credit hours of required core courses in governance, quantitative methods, HR, economics, and organizational theory. A capstone experience (PADM 895) enables applied learning and synthesis of skills through a real-world project.
- Professional Development: A unique MiniMPA™ professional development series offers practitioners a hybrid-format certificate to bolster administrative competencies and deepen public sector knowledge.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: On-campus, online
- Accreditation: NASPAA, HLC
- Credit Hours: 39
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $309 (PCH)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $756 (PCH)
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Enrollment: N/A
Other Considerations:
- The Hugo Wall School’s prime location within a major urban and research university connects students with local government, state agencies, and nonprofit partners for hands-on learning and professional networking.
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- No GRE/GMAT Required
- 100% Online
- HLC Accredited
Walden University
Online Public Policy and Administration Programs
Walden University’s Public Administration programs are taught by a distinguished faculty of scholar-practitioners, many of whom have senior-executive experience in government and public service. Programs include:
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- Top Ranked
- Built for Leaders
Arizona State University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
ASU’s Online Master of Public Administration provides students with a curriculum that covers leadership strategies, ethical decision-making, and effective management across various organizations.
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Military Friendly
- 100% Online
Purdue Global
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Purdue Global’s Online MPA is designed to help practicing and aspiring administrators develop skills and techniques to provide leadership in a wide variety of public service fields.
- Affordable
- Transfer Credits Accepted
- Accredited Program
Liberty University
Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Liberty University’s Master’s Degree in Public Administration Online is designed to equip students with a thorough background in the theories and practices essential for success in government and nonprofit roles. MPA areas of focus include:
- Accredited Programs
- Affordable Degrees
- 100% Online
Southern New Hampshire University
Online Public Administration & Political Science Degrees
Stand up and be counted with a degree in public administration/political science from Southern New Hampshire University—and learn how to facilitate change from within the system. Program offerings include:
Accreditation Details
NASPAA accreditation ensures that the curriculum is rigorous, the faculty are experienced and qualified, and the program prepares students for leadership roles in public service. As NASPAA-accredited programs, each of the three institutions demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and accountability, providing students with a valuable and respected credential in the field of public administration. All three educational institutions in Kansas that offer MPA programs are accredited by NASPAA.
Career Outlook
Kansas presents a wide spectrum of career opportunities for MPA graduates, spanning local government, policy analysis, public health, and nonprofit leadership. Below is a breakdown of key roles with supported salary estimates:
- City/County Administrators:
Leadership roles in municipal management offer competitive compensation—in neighboring Kansas City, KS, general administrators earn an average salary of $70,834 per year, topping out at over $200,000 per year. Urban areas like Wichita and Overland Park regularly post openings for planning, infrastructure coordination, and policy coordination positions—making Kansas a viable setting for applied urban governance work. - Policy Analysts:
Policy professionals in the Kansas City area earn between $97,351 (entry-level average) and up to $98,509, with upper percentiles reaching $113,700+. With urban centers and industrial landscapes, Kansas often seeks MPA-trained analysts to support infrastructure, sustainability, and regulatory policy roles—though specific salary data varies by region and role. - Program or Public Health Coordinators:
Healthcare coordination roles—aligned with public administration—offer average salaries of $50,132 per year in Topeka, KS. Strong healthcare networks across the state—from rural public health systems to academic hospital systems—employ MPA graduates in roles overseeing service delivery, program coordination, and policy implementation.
All MPA Programs in Kansas
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas State University | Master Of Public Administration | Kansas | Manhattan | No | Yes | https://radow.kennesaw.edu/mpa/index.php |
| The University of Kansas | Master Of Public Administration | Kansas | Lawrence | No | Yes | https://catalog.ku.edu/public-affairs-administration/mpa/ |
| Wichita State University | Master Of Public Administration | Kansas | Wichita | Yes | Yes | https://www.wichita.edu/academics/fairmount_college_of_liberal_arts_and_sciences/hugowall/MPA/Master_of_Public_Administration.php |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many NASPAA-accredited programs are there in Kansas?
A: Three programs in Kansas hold NASPAA accreditation: University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University.
Q: Is it possible to complete an MPA fully online in Kansas?
A: Yes. Wichita State and Kansas State both offer fully online or hybrid options. The University of Kansas provides evening courses geared toward working professionals in Topeka and Kansas City.
Q: Are there accelerated or 4+1 options available?
A: Yes. Both KU and Wichita State offer accelerated MPA tracks for undergraduates pursuing political science or public affairs degrees.
Q: What sectors hire MPA grads in Kansas?
A: Common employers include local governments, school districts, public utilities, regional planning commissions, and state agencies based in Topeka.
