Compare 6 General Studies. programs in Kansas. Average earnings: $42,371.
The highest-earning General Studies program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $11K earnings gap across 6 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Fort Hays State University's General Studies program leads with graduates earning $46,515, well above the state average of $42,371. University of Kansas follows at $44,562, while Pittsburg State delivers $43,819—proof that regional publics dominate this field regardless of overall school rankings.
For students, Fort Hays State offers the best combination: top earnings of $46,515 with a manageable 12% payment burden on $21,000 in student debt. For families considering parent loans, Pittsburg State leads with a 19.7% total burden versus Kansas's hefty 36.3% family burden.
Highest program earnings: $46,515
Strong outcomes with 92% acceptance rate
12.0% payment burden | Manageable
19.7% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $46,515 | 249 | $21,000 | Manageable | $11,833 | Challenging | |
| #2 | University Of KansasPublic | $44,562 | 109 | $21,000 | Manageable | $32,347 | High |
| #3 | $43,819 | 53 | $18,969 | Manageable | $10,000 | Challenging | |
| #4 | Wichita State UniversityPublic | $42,648 | 89 | $20,500 | Manageable | $14,306 | High |
| #5 | Friends UniversityPrivate | $41,734 | 21 | $25,000 | Manageable | $15,000 | High |
| #6 | Emporia State UniversityPublic | $34,947 | 39 | $19,500 | Challenging | $15,050 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
