Why Education in Kansas is Better Than You Think
If you’re like most people, you might not think of Kansas as a hub for education. But you may be surprised to learn that Kansas is, in fact, home to some of the best schools and universities in the country.
The Stats
Kansas ranks highly in national education rankings, consistently in the top half of states. In 2019, Kansas ranked 18th in the country in education, according to US News & World Report. This is no mean feat considering that Kansas is not a wealthy state, and its resources are limited.
Another factor that sets Kansas apart is its high high-school graduation rate. It is one of the highest in the country, with roughly 86% of students finishing high school.
What’s Working in Kansas
One key reason for Kansas’s success in education is strong state funding. Despite not being one of the wealthiest states, Kansas invests a sizable portion of its budget in education, demonstrating a long-term commitment to this priority.
Kansas also has a good teacher-to-student ratio, thanks in part to low student enrollment and community support for education. This means that teachers are able to give their students the attention and support they need to succeed, and students often benefit from one-to-one attention and personalized learning.
Kansas’s Higher Education System
Kansas is home to a large number of high-quality universities and colleges. These include state schools, like The University of Kansas and Kansas State University, as well as private institutions, such as Baker University and Saint Mary’s College. The state’s higher education system is diverse, offering a range of majors, specializations, and career paths.
Kansas’s universities are known for their research and innovation in areas such as agriculture, medicine, and aerospace engineering. They also boast some of the highest graduation rates in the country.
Kansas’s Focus on STEM
Kansas has gone above and beyond to support STEM education, investing significant resources in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics instruction. The state created the Kansas Board of Regents to oversee the strategic planning and development of higher education institutions throughout the state, ensuring that STEM programs are a top priority.
Kansas’s emphasis on STEM education has paid off, as the state’s graduates are well-positioned to take on high-paying, in-demand job opportunities.
Conclusion
Kansas’s investment in education, along with its commitment to STEM and personalized learning, have produced some of the best schools and universities in the country. A strong teacher-to-student ratio and high school graduation rate only bolster the state’s reputation as an education hub. Kansas is a prime example of how a state can achieve high levels of academic success with strategic investments in education.
