Higher Education
Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation recognizes the value of higher education, and we are proud of the variety of schools within the region. We have been working with the Community and Technical Colleges to develop new programs for our targeted industries. This includes working to become a Certified Work Ready County.
Pottawatomie County has become an attractive place for families who come for the excellent schools, lower cost of living, and high quality of life. With a variety of quality schools and higher education institutions present in the area, Pottawatomie County is also home to a highly skilled and qualified workforce.
Pottawatomie County, KS Higher Education Overview
Educational Attainment – Persons 25 and older
| Less Than Highschool | High School Graduate | Some College or Associate's Degree | Bachelor's Degree | Graduate or Professional Degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
831 (5.5%) |
4,524 (29.5%) |
4,715 (30.7%) |
3,440 (22.4%) |
1,850 (12.0%) |
(Source: Kansas Satistical Abstract 2021)
(Source: Kansas Satistical Abstract 2021)
Pottawatomie County, KS Area Educational Institutions
Universities & Colleges
Kansas State University
With over 250 undergraduate and 165 graduate programs and 3 campuses, K-State is a leader in ducation, research, and industry involvement. K-State also earned 11 top-ten places in the Princeton Review’s “Best 338 Colleges for 2023”
With many degree programs offered, fields of study at K-State include agriculture, architecture, arts & sciences, business administration, education, engineering, and health & human sciences. Additionally, K-State is well-known for its prestigious Veterinary College. In 2021, over 20,000 students attended K-State across it’s three campuses (Manhattan, Salina, and Olathe, KS).
Washburn University
Located in Topeka, KS Washburn University offers over 200 courses of study at it’s 160 acre campus. Along with undergraduate and graduate level educational opportunities, the university also offers opportunities for extracurricular involvement and intercollegiate sports.
As of Spring 2022, just over 5,000 students were enrolled at Washburn University. The university offers education in arts & sciences, applied studies, applied sciences, business, law, and nursing, as well as interdisciplinary studies and technical education.
Manhattan Christian
A private Christian College in Manhattan, KS, the Manhattan Christian College offers faith-based education through on-campus and online learning. In addition to coursework, the college offers ministry and athletics opportunities for students.
The Manhattan Christian College offers education in the Bible/Theology, Christian Ministry, Dual Degree Studies, and General Studies. The college also offers online education options.
St. Mary’s College
Located in St. Mary’s, KS, St. Mary’s College is a co-ed, private Catholic liberal arts college. Offering a 2-year Associate of Arts degree program, the college provides a faith-based sense of community, and can help prepare students for continued education.
St. Mary’s college offers a 2-year liberal arts program. The study program can provide foundational education for 4-year and graduate studies or professional education programs.
Technical and Community Colleges
Manhattan Area Technical College
Headquartered in Mahattan, KS with an in-progress center in Wamego, KS, the Manhattan Area Technical College (MATC) offers technical, general, and adult education within the Pottawatomie County Area. With a focus on workforce preparation, MATC is a fantastic contributor to the local workforce.
MATC’s academic offerings are focused in allied heathcare trainings, automotive technology, business & information technology, construction/energy/manufacturing, general & adult education, healthcare, and industrial technologies.
Washburn Technical College
Located in Topeka, KS, Washburn Tech is associated with Washburn University. Washburn Tech offers technical education for adult and high-school students, and provides opportunities for career-changers and those pursuing continued career training. With collaboration between Washburn Tech and Washburn University, students have the opportunity to smoothly transition from technical education to an advanced degree.
Washburn Tech offers career-focused education in a number of fields, including those in manufacturing, construction, design & technology, health occupations, hospitality & human services, and transportation.
Highland Community College
The Highland, KS, based Highland Community College offers coursework in Pottawatomie County through its Wamego Center. With a main campus, several regional centers, online-education, and high school programs, Highland Community College serves around 4,000 adult and high school students in total.
Across all campuses, Highland Community college offers numerous associate’s degree programs, including Associate in Applied Science degrees. The community college also offers several technical education certificates and supports part-time continuing education. Academic interest areas at Highland Community College include Accounting & Business, Agriculture, Biology, Criminal Justice, Education, History, Sociology, Speech Communications, and more.
Additional Higher Education Statistics in the Manhattan, KS Metro
