Best Online Education Programs in Topeka, KS (2026)
Topeka, Kansas has a population of about 126,103. The city’s median household income is $55,902 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 29.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 4 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Topeka. In the Topeka, KS metro area, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, Postsecondary at a median $115,540 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Topeka
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Topeka city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emporia State University | Emporia, KS | 50.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Avila University | Kansas City, MO | 59.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rockhurst University | Kansas City, MO | 60.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Peru State College | Peru, NE | 99.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Kansas schools on the Kansas education page.
Education Wages Near Topeka
Topeka is part of the Topeka, KS metro area (BLS area code 45820). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Kansas statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $59,330 | Topeka, KS | $66,813 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $49,970 | Topeka, KS | $56,273 |
| Middle School Teacher | $56,780 | Topeka, KS | $63,941 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $63,070 | KS statewide | $71,025 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $92,290 | Topeka, KS | $103,930 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $115,540 | Topeka, KS | $130,113 |
| Tutor | $35,830 | Topeka, KS | $40,349 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $63,700 | Topeka, KS | $71,734 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Topeka at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $55,902 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 29.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 88.8 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Education-related employment in Shawnee County | 602 workers, 64 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Topeka-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Lawrence, KS – 23.7 mi away (95,800 pop)
- Gardner, KS – 43.8 mi away (21,110 pop)
- Leavenworth, KS – 45.8 mi away (46,445 pop)
- Shawnee, KS – 47.7 mi away (65,194 pop)
- Olathe, KS – 48.2 mi away (135,473 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Topeka, KS?
Our directory lists 4 education programs within 100 miles of Topeka. The closest is Emporia State University in Emporia, KS (50.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Peru State College (99.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles near Topeka?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying education-related roles near Topeka are: Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($115,540), Education Administrator, K-12 ($92,290), Educational and Career Counselor ($63,700). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Kansas statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Lawrence instead of Topeka?
Lawrence, KS is 23.7 miles from Topeka and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Topeka an affordable place to study education?
Topeka’s median household income of $55,902 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Topeka while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Kansas public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.