Why Kansas?
With exceptional faculty, top-ranked programs and groundbreaking research institutes and centers, KU Medical Center embraces excellence. Our hard work aims to improve health, not only in our state but also in our region, nation and world.
Why Kansas? In a state often recognized for wheat and and The Wizard of Oz, the University of Kansas Medical Center has achieved national acclaim for its health education and research.
In the heart of the Heartland, KU Medical Center maintains three separate campuses: an urban environment in Kansas City, Kansas; a big city with rural roots in Wichita; and special emphasis on rural health in Salina.
The University of Kansas in Lawrence is a one-hour drive from the Kansas City campus and about twice that time to Wichita and Salina. Separated by distance but not by purpose, the University of Kansas maintains an illustrious and historic reputation in many artistic, scientific and career-launching fields.
U.S. News & World Report Rankings
KU Medical Center participates in the national college and university rankings conducted by U.S. News & World Report. In 2024, several of our programs ranked among the top programs in the country compared to other public institutions:
- No. 5: Physical Therapy (Best Graduate Schools)
- No. 6: Speech Language Pathology (Best Graduate Schools)
- No. 7: Nurse-Midwifery (Best Graduate Schools)
- No. 10: Nurse Anesthesia (Best Graduate Schools)
- No. 11: Occupational Therapy (Best Graduate Schools)
- No. 15: Audiology (Best Graduate Schools)
- No. 17: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Best Colleges)
Rankings for our health care partner
U.S. News consistently recognizes our partner, The University of Kansas Health System, as a health care leader. The University of Kansas Hospital has been named the best hospital in Kansas City and in Kansas.
Though the hospital has a separate governing board and administrative system from KU Medical Center, it's a vital component in clinical experiences. To have the hospital receive these awards every year they have been presented means our students are receiving exceptional guidance in both classrooms and clinics.
In addition to rankings for the hospital, eight medical and surgical specialties rank among the top in the country in 2023-24. Learn more
If your vision of Kansas comes from the movies, you might be surprised to learn what Kansas City, Wichita and Salina have to offer. These cities have thriving arts communities, beautiful parks and a wide assortment of things to do during your free time.