Accounting Degrees in Kansas

Accounting career opportunities are plentiful in Kansas, the Sunflower State. Opting for an online accounting degree in Kansas can grant you access to this thriving job market, including roles as an accountant, auditor, tax examiner, or financial analyst.

According to data from the Kansas Labor Information Center, accounting and auditing is a high-demand occupation in the state. 2022 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows accountants and auditors in Kansas earn an average salary of $75,070 — almost $15,000 more per year than the average wage for all occupations nationwide.

Explore our comprehensive guide to determine the best online accounting degrees in Kansas and understand the available career paths for professionals with this credential.

Sources: U.S. Census, Current Results, NCES, Statista, BLS

The National Center for Education Statistics reports Kansas has 60 degree-granting postsecondary institutions, offering learners a diverse array of settings in which to earn their accounting degree, including college towns, big cities, and rural communities. According to the Kansas Board of Regents, total higher education student enrollment was 219,604 in 2022.

Kansas has made major strides in education reforms, notably through the Kansas Board of Regents’ Foresight 2020 strategic plan, which the state implemented in 2010 with the goal of increasing higher education attainment among Kansas residents.

The state’s finance sector offers professional networks through accounting-specific organizations like the Kansas Society of CPAs. These groups can lead to internships, mentorships, and job opportunities for accounting students post-graduation.

By pursuing an accounting degree in Kansas, you can qualify for a number of jobs in the state that boast faster-than-average growth projections and higher-than-average salaries.

The table below presents key education statistics for Kansas. The state is home to 34 four-year colleges and 26 two-year colleges. The state’s appropriations per full-time student, tax revenue allocated to higher education, and the percentage of adults over 25 in Kansas with an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree are similar to or exceed the national averages.

Sources: NCES, SHEEO, U.S. Census ACS

Institutional accreditation certifies that a school meets specific standards of academic quality.

When researching colleges and universities in Kansas, look for schools with accreditation from agencies like the Higher Learning Commission. Attending an accredited school ensures employers and other educational institutions recognize your degree and qualify you for federal financial aid.

Some schools also pursue programmatic accreditation, which evaluates particular departments or programs to ensure that the curriculum prepares learners for careers in their field. This kind of accreditation is optional. Accounting programs may hold accreditation from agencies like AACSB International and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Numerous factors are involved in choosing an accounting program. Our guide will help you assess whether Kansas is the right state for your accounting degree journey.

Below, we discuss in-state and out-of-state tuition costs, the percentage of students enrolled in distance education, and more. For instance, the table below reveals that in 2021, many learners in Kansas embraced distance learning, illustrating the state’s adaptability to contemporary education models.

Pursuing a Kansas accounting degree on campus provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for in-person networking. In addition to more face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers, on-campus programs typically offer more rigid schedules, which may be ideal for enrollees who prefer a structured learning experience.

Online programs offer flexibility and convenience, allowing students to learn from anywhere. Kansas-based online programs provide access to quality education while accommodating work or family commitments. This option may be ideal for self-motivated learners seeking a balance between personal obligations and academic advancement.

Hybrid programs blend the flexibility of online learning with the benefits of on-campus experiences. Unlike fully online degrees, they offer regular in-person classes, workshops, or seminars, providing more hands-on learning and personal interaction. They may be ideal for students seeking a balance between digital convenience and traditional education.

Per the table below, the average cost of college tuition and fees in Kansas for the 2020-21 school year was slightly lower than national averages across four-year institutions and for out-of-state learners at two-year schools.

Kansas accounting degree enrollees can pursue several financial aid options to help cover these costs: Need- and merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and grants do not require repayment, while loans must be repaid with interest.

The Sunflower State offers opportunities like the Kansas Comprehensive Grant to residents attending eligible Kansas institutions. Use the links below to learn more about financial aid for accounting programs.

Tuition rates at public colleges and universities typically vary for in-state and out-of-state students. Often, nonresidents pay more than double the in-state rate. However, some Kansas schools offer tuition breaks to out-of-state students, making education more affordable.

For example, Kansas participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program. This reciprocity agreement provides reduced out-of-state tuition rates to students from participating states. These initiatives make it more financially feasible for out-of-state learners to access higher education in Kansas.

Beyond tuition, learners who plan to relocate to Kansas to pursue their accounting degree should also consider the cost of living, which can influence budgeting. According to World Population Review’s cost of living index, Kansas scores 86.5 — lower than the national baseline of 100.

This score indicates that expenses such as housing, groceries, and transportation in Kansas are typically less costly than in other states, which could make budgeting for your education in this state more manageable when compared to other locations.

Projections Central data projects accounting careers in Kansas will grow from 2020 to 2030. Factors like an evolving financial landscape and a surge in technology adoption drive this growth. In Kansas, the accounting industry supports local economies with diverse sectors like agriculture, aviation, and bioscience.

Future accountants looking to work for Big Four accounting firms can find offices for these companies in Wichita and the Kansas City area. Beyond traditional roles like certified public accountants (CPAs), numerous industries in Kansas seek professionals with accounting degrees for positions in financial analysis, auditing, and management accounting.

In the following sections, we explore various aspects of Kansas’ accounting industry, including salary expectations, job growth, major employers, and critical accounting roles in the state.

Accounting and auditing professionals prepare and examine financial records to ensure their accuracy and regulatory compliance. These workers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting. They help provide financial oversight across all sectors of the Kansas economy.

Job Outlook in Kansas (2020-30): +9%

Though most bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing roles only require a high school diploma and basic accounting knowledge, some organizations may prefer workers with an associate degree in the field. These professionals are crucial in maintaining financial records, including transactions, invoices, and statements. Their recordkeeping helps support the financial health of organizations big and small in Kansas.

Job Outlook in Kansas (2020-30): -2%

Financial managers oversee financial activities, strategic planning, and long-term financial goals for their organizations. Most financial manager roles require a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience. These professionals help steer Kansas companies toward financial success.

Job Outlook in Kansas (2020-30): +20%

Source: Projections Central

Source: BLS OEWS

Projections Central projects 9% job growth for accountants and auditors in Kansas from 2020 to 2030, signaling an increase in opportunities for these professionals in the years to come. This is faster than the 6.9% growth the organization projects for this career nationwide.

Though most Kansas accounting jobs earn average salaries below the national average wages for these roles, many of these jobs — including accountants, tax examiners, and compliance officers — earn salaries that exceed the national average wage for all occupations.

Even for positions like bookkeeping and auditing clerks, who earn average wages in Kansas that fall below the national average salary for all jobs, the state’s lower cost of living may translate to stronger purchasing power than higher wages in more expensive states.

Each state maintains its own requirements for CPA licensure. To become a CPA in Kansas, follow the Kansas Board of Accountancy’s criteria, which include:

For comprehensive details and updates, visit the Kansas Board of Accountancy and resources such as the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and This Way to CPA.

Many accounting careers in Kansas — including accountants and auditors, budget analysts, and financial managers — offer higher-than-average salaries and positive job growth projections. Professionals in this field can work across Kansas’ many sectors and industries.

According to 2022 data from the BLS, accountants and auditors in Kansas earn an average annual salary of $75,070. However, earnings vary based on factors such as experience, specialization, and location within the state.

Kansas offers various accounting jobs, including accountants and auditors, bookkeeping and auditing clerks, financial managers, tax examiners and collectors, compliance officers, and financial analysts.

Numerous colleges and universities in Kansas offer in-person and online accounting degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.