The Top 10 Best Colleges in Kansas City for Tech Enthusiasts in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) has been killing it in the tech game since way back in '33.

With over 16,000 students enrolled, UMKC is packing some serious heat with their tech-focused programs through the College of Computing and Engineering. We're talking Bachelor's degrees in Computer Science, Information Technology, and even Cybersecurity! But that's not all, they've also got Master's programs in Data Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, plus a Ph.D. in Computer Science where you can get your research on in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and big data analytics.

UMKC has churned out some major tech ballers over the years, like Anurag Batta, who's now a Senior Software Engineer at Amazon, and Divya Bhargovi, the Director of Engineering at Garmin.

These alumni are straight-up killing it! UMKC is decked out with state-of-the-art facilities like the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise and Research Center, which houses cutting-edge computing labs and the Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy Security (MIDES) research center.

Talk about next-level tech!

Kevin Truman, the Dean of the College of Computing and Engineering, hits the nail on the head when he says,

"Our programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape."

And let's not forget, UMKC is one of the top picks in the best coding bootcamps in Kansas City for 2024, so you know they're keeping it real when it comes to prepping students for the future of tech.

If you're looking to level up your tech game, UMKC is definitely worth checking out!

Rockhurst University is straight fire if you're a tech nerd like me! They've got some sick programs that'll make you a coding ninja in no time.

Let's start with the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – this bad boy covers everything from programming to data structures and algorithms, giving you the skills to crush it in software engineering. But that's not all.

Rockhurst also has a dope Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity that'll teach you how to protect digital assets and stomp out cyber threats. If data is your thing, check out the Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics – you'll learn to turn complex data into valuable insights, opening doors in fields like business intelligence and healthcare analytics. Oh, and let's not forget the Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems.

This one's all about using tech to drive business decisions and success. Talk about a power move! Rockhurst doesn't just give you the textbook knowledge – they offer dope internships with top tech companies in the area, so you can get that real-world experience.

Plus, their computing labs are stacked with all the latest gear, and you'll get to work with industry pros who'll guide you through coding challenges and help you develop innovative tech solutions.

Park University is seriously killin' it with their tech game these days. They're like the ultimate spot for us tech geeks in Kansas City.

Their 2024 tech curriculum is packed with all the hottest stuff, and they really know how to make it hands-on and real-world. Plus, their facilities are straight-up fire with all the latest gear and gadgets.

Some of the coolest things about Park's tech programs:

• Cybersecurity: With all the cyber threats out there, Park's got your back. Their cybersecurity program teaches you how to be a digital ninja, protecting systems and data like a boss.
• Internet of Things (IoT): The future is connected, and Park's all over it. They've got courses that dive deep into the IoT world, from smart devices to security.
• AR and VR Development: Who doesn't love a good virtual reality experience? Park lets you create mind-blowing AR and VR tech for gaming, healthcare, and beyond.

Park has teamed up with some major tech players, giving you insider access and networking opportunities that are straight fire:

1. Cerner Corporation: Score an internship or work on real projects with this healthcare tech giant.
2. Google Developers Student Club: Hang with other code warriors, attend workshops, and get the inside scoop on all things Google.
3. Sprint Corporation: Get mentored by the pros, attend tech talks, and maybe even land a gig with this telecom powerhouse.

"At Park, we're all about keeping it real with our industry partnerships and hands-on learning. Our goal is to make sure you're ready to conquer the ever-changing tech world." - Dr. Nancy Lopez, Chair of the Computer Science Department at Park University

Let me tell you about this place called William Jewell College. It's straight-up fire when it comes to tech education. They got this whole vibe of mixing liberal arts with cutting-edge tech programs like Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Data Science.

But here's the real deal - they're all about that interdisciplinary life, prepping students to tackle complex problems by looking at things from different angles, ya feel me?

At the heart of William Jewell's tech game is this killer combo of the liberal arts tradition and tech skills.

Students get a solid grasp of critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning - the kind of stuff that makes tech companies go crazy. It's like they're creating these versatile AF professionals who can navigate the ever-changing tech world with creativity and resilience on fleek.

As Dr. Amanda Hogan, the Computer Science boss lady, says,

"Our grads don't just crush it at coding; they've got the intellectual agility to lead and innovate like it's nobody's business."

William Jewell is all about that hands-on experience life.

Through real-world projects, internships, and dope research opportunities, students get that invaluable experience that employers can't get enough of. Check out some of these rad initiatives:

• Technology Solutions Center: A student-run tech consultancy that hooks up local businesses with services, letting students flex their practical skills and client management game.
• Immersive Learning Experiences: Students team up with faculty to tackle cutting-edge research projects in areas like cybersecurity, AI, and data analytics, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
• Industry Partnerships: By linking up with major tech players like Cerner and Garmin, William Jewell keeps its curriculum aligned with industry needs, while also opening doors for valuable networking opportunities.

With its unique blend of liberal arts and tech, paired with a serious focus on hands-on learning, William Jewell College is a straight-up beast when it comes to prepping the next generation of tech professionals.

If you're looking for a well-rounded, future-proof education, this place should definitely be on your radar.

Avila University is where it's at if you're trying to get into the tech game in Kansas City. They've got a sick lineup of grad programs that'll have you covered in fields like Business Analytics, Computer Science, and Cybersecurity Management.

These programs are all about bridging the gap between tech and business, so you'll be prepped to lead dope projects and innovation. But it's not just about the tech skills - Avila offers a well-rounded education with over 60 majors and minors to choose from.

You can blend your tech interests with other subjects and build a degree that fits your vibe.

Their Computer Science Management program is where it's at for those trying to combine code and business know-how.

You'll learn to analyze different technologies, lead tech teams using project management skills, and communicate complex concepts to diverse stakeholders. Plus, you'll dive into ethical and legal issues in tech, so you can be a responsible professional.

The best part? This program lets you take online and in-person courses, so you can customize your learning experience.

But Avila isn't just about the classroom grind.

They've got partnerships with major companies like Cerner and Garmin, so you can score internships and make connections in the industry. And with their career resources and job placement assistance, they'll have your back when it's time to land that dream gig after graduation.

If you're looking to level up your tech game in KC, Avila should definitely be on your radar.

Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City (MCCKC) is the spot for techies looking to level up their skills without breaking the bank. These are all about keeping it real with accessible and affordable tech education for the Kansas City crew.

They've got your back with a wide range of programs designed to prep you for the fast-paced tech world.

At MCCKC, you can explore some seriously cool options like Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Web Development, and Programming – all the goods you need to become a tech boss.

They've got these sweet pathway programs that make it a breeze to transfer to a four-year tech degree at their partner universities. Talk about a win-win situation!

Over 60% of MCCKC's tech program grads successfully transfer to four-year institutions.

That's some serious success right there. Take William Wilson, for instance – he started at MCCKC, transferred to UMKC, and now he's a legit software engineer at a major tech company.

In his own words,

"MCCKC's affordable tech courses and seamless transfer process enabled me to kickstart my career without going broke."

Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, if you ask me.

The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) is like the coolest spot for all you artsy tech geeks out there. It's where they bring together art and technology in a way that'll blow your mind! Their Digital Multimedia Arts program is the real deal, teaching you all the skills you need to slay in the digital world.

You'll learn everything from animation and motion design to interactive product design and even video game art and development.

KCAI has some seriously sick facilities that'll make you feel like you're living in the future.

They've got specialized labs for animation, game dev, and digital fab, where you can get hands-on with the latest tech. And let's not forget about the Cyber Media Center, a freaking hub where you can experiment with virtual reality, augmented reality, and projection mapping – talk about cutting-edge!

But it's not just about the classes and labs.

KCAI's Creative Technology Career Expo is where it's at. You get to meet industry pros and make connections that'll help you land your dream job. And we're talking about big-name companies like Pixar Animation Studios, Google, and EA Sports, where KCAI alumni are killing it as animators, UX designers, and game devs.

As KCAI President Tony Jones says,

"Our mission is to empower the next generation of creative technologists, blending artistic vision with digital expertise to shape the future of innovation."

So, if you're looking to be a part of that future, KCAI is where you need to be!

Baker University is a pretty place for anyone who's into tech and wants to get their skills on point. They've got all the goods when it comes to online and on-campus programs in computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics, and more.

They're staying ahead of the game with their tight curriculum that's always up-to-date with what employers are looking for.

But here's the real – Baker U knows that college ain't cheap, so they've got a bunch of sweet scholarships specifically for tech nerds like us.

We're talking the Baker Technology Scholarship for crushing it in computer science, the Cybersecurity Excellence Scholarship for those who want to be the next big thing in cyber defense, and the Data Analytics Scholarship for all you number-crunching whizzes out there.

These scholarships are a total game-changer, taking a huge load off our wallets while still letting us pursue our passions.

And let's not forget about the Baker U alumni who've made it big in the tech world.

People like Patricia Wilson, a total boss at Apple, and David Anderson, a cybersecurity legend at IBM, both credit their success to the solid foundation they got from Baker's top-notch tech programs and mentors.

Hearing stories like that just proves that Baker U is the real deal when it comes to launching epic tech careers.

Ottawa University in Kansas City is seriously ahead of the game when it comes to tech education. They've got their finger on the pulse, custom-fitting their programs to match what employers are looking for.

We're talking majors like Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and Information Systems – all the hottest tech fields of the moment. But here's the real kicker – Ottawa is all about equipping students with the future-proof skills required to slay it in the fast-paced tech world.

One of Ottawa's standout features is the flexibility they offer.

If you're all about that campus vibe, they've got immersive in-person classes taught by instructors who've been there, done that. But if you're juggling a job or other commitments, their online tech programs have got your back.

According to their stats, a massive 65% of their students are enrolled online – talk about catering to the modern lifestyle!

Ottawa has formed some serious partnerships with major tech players, ensuring their curriculum is always on-trend and industry-relevant.

We're talking real-world case studies, guest lectures from experts, and even internship opportunities for that invaluable hands-on experience. As Forbes puts it, "Ottawa University's tech programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the rapidly changing world of technology." If that's not a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is!

If you're a tech geek looking for the perfect college in Kansas City, check out MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU).

This place is a total gamechanger for anyone trying to level up their skills in the digital world. They've got a crazy lineup of programs that'll turn you into a certified tech boss, like the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, where you'll be coding up a storm and mastering everything from algorithms to AI.

MNU also offers a dope Master of Science in Educational Technology program that'll have you crushing it with cutting-edge teaching methods and tech integration.

And if you're more into the business side of things, their Management and Leadership in Information Technology degree is where it's at.

What really sets MNU apart is their tight connections with major tech companies like Cerner, Garmin, and DST. You'll get the chance to work on legit projects and snag some sweet internships, putting you in the perfect position to land a killer job after graduation.

Plus, their facilities are straight-up futuristic, with an Innovation Lab and Cyber Security Center that'll make you feel like you're in a sci-fi movie.

So if you're ready to become a tech titan, MNU is the place to be.

They'll hook you up with the skills, connections, and hands-on experience you need to crush it in the digital world. Just don't forget to hit me up for video game sessions when you're not busy coding the next big thing!

When it comes to finding the best tech colleges in Kansas City for 2024, there's a lot to consider.

We're talking about program variety, cutting-edge facilities, successful alumni, and solid industry connections. These are the key factors that'll determine our rankings and ensure we're giving each school a fair shot.

• Program Diversity: The top schools have got to offer a wide range of tech programs, from computer science and cybersecurity to data analytics and emerging tech. We want to see specialized concentrations and interdisciplinary options too, showing that these colleges are forward-thinking and staying ahead of the game.
• Facilities: We can't overlook the importance of state-of-the-art facilities. We're talking modern computer labs, collaborative workspaces, and industry-grade equipment that'll give students the hands-on experience they need to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. As one UMKC student puts it,

  "The facilities here have been instrumental in helping me get ready for the real deal."

• Alumni Success: It's not just about the present; we need to look at the alumni too. Top schools should have a track record of producing successful grads who are leading the way in tech companies, launching their own businesses, and contributing to groundbreaking innovations and research. That's how we know they're doing something right.
• Industry Partnerships: Industry partnerships are a game-changer. The best colleges collaborate with tech giants, startups, and research institutions, giving their students the inside scoop on internships, networking opportunities, and staying relevant in the ever-changing tech world. It's all about preparing students for what's next.

To make sure our rankings are on point, we're drawing from a diverse range of sources, like national and regional college rankings, student surveys, independent reports, and official data from the colleges themselves.

By bringing all this together, we can give you a well-rounded view of the most affordable and top-notch tech programs in Kansas City for 2024.