Compare 7 Public Finance. programs in Kansas. Average earnings: $55,823.
The highest-earning Public Finance program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $20K earnings gap across 7 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
The data puts University of Kansas first, with Public Finance graduates earning $66,001. Kansas State University follows closely at $63,146, while the statewide average sits at $55,823. This tight competition among Kansas publics shows how regional strengths can eclipse national rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Kansas graduates borrow $21,000 and face just a 6.6% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, Pittsburg State leads with a 12.3% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of KansasPublic | $66,001 | 228 | $21,000 | Excellent | $32,347 | Challenging |
| #2 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | $63,146 | 186 | $21,250 | Excellent | $27,283 | Manageable |
| #3 | Washburn UniversityPublic | $59,834 | 39 | $18,127 | Excellent | $13,741 | Manageable |
| #4 | $56,556 | 26 | $18,969 | Excellent | $10,000 | Manageable | |
| #5 | Wichita State UniversityPublic | $53,326 | 75 | $20,500 | Good | $14,306 | Manageable |
| #6 | Benedictine CollegePrivate | $46,087 | 50 | $24,599 | Manageable | $41,904 | High |
| #7 | $45,811 | 40 | $21,000 | Manageable | $11,833 | Challenging |
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 →
