Wichita's reputation for quality higher education is built on a wide selection of colleges and universities that allows students to choose a school tailored to their educational pursuits, whether it be a four-year university, technical college or specialized program.

In addition to being the home of Wichita State University, the region includes several private universities such as Newman University, a four-year liberal-arts school offering 27 bachelor's degree programs. Southwestern College offers a two-year MBA program in addition to its traditional degree programs.

The region is also home to Friends University, a more than 100-year-old institution that has more than 1,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate programs. Friends also offers a number of undergrad and graduate programs for nontraditional students – many of them working adults – and was one of the first educational institutions to offer these types of programs in Kansas.

Baker University, established in 1858 and known as Kansas's oldest university, offers accelerated degree-completion programs designed for working adults, along with an MBA program and a master's program in education.

Those looking for the community- or technical-college route will have options in Wichita as well. Cowley County Community College and Hutchinson Community College and Area Vocational School are both public two-year institutions offering an array of programs. Hands-on training opportunities are available at Wichita Area Technical College and Wichita Technical Institute. Butler Community College offers programs in industrial technology, business, nursing and liberal arts.

Students with particular career paths in mind can choose from institutions including WSU College of Engineering, geared towards anyone with an interest in engineering and ongoing research, or University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita, which provides training for approximately 100 junior and senior medical students each year.