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College Towns

From big conference college towns to private universities in smaller communities, energy and innovation come to life where the future of tomorrow is being shaped today.

The University of Kansas

Lawrence

With a population of nearly 100,000, Lawrence is a thriving college town and home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. You’ll find a strong connection to the outdoors with 70 miles of recreational paths and Clinton State Park just 4 miles away for hiking, biking, camping, and activities on the lake. Lawrence is highly ranked for livability, has a dynamic music and arts scene and KU athletics, plus Kansas City is just 45 minutes away.

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Kansas State University

Manhattan

Set in the wide open beauty of the Flint Hills, Manhattan has been recognized as a great place to live, learn and more. Kansas State University is a Tier 1 research university that has also been recognized for having the happiest students in the nation. With great food, a vibrant entertainment district, family recreation and purple pride for K-State athletics, Manhattan is an accessible city of 55,000 that has plenty to offer.

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Pittsburg

Located in southeast Kansas, Pittsburg has just over 20,000 residents. It is home to Pittsburg State University, with 7,500 students and Division II athletics, making for the perfect small town college experience. Connected to nature with recreational areas nearby, plus a quaint downtown, a state of the art performing center, events and family-friendly activities, Pittsburg is a city worth living in.

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Hays

Located along I-70 in central Kansas, Hays is home to Fort Hays State University, a school with great ratings for online programs and Division II athletics. With low unemployment, and quality, affordable housing, Hays is a great place to live. The Bricks in Downtown is great for shopping and dining. The Sternberg Museum of Natural History shows what Hays looked like 70 million years ago, and Historic Fort Hays tells its Wild West story.

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Emporia

Located between Kansas City and Wichita, Emporia is a city of more than 24,000 residents, and the location of Emporia State University. It is home to the Oscar J. Peterson Planetarium and locally-grown eateries and beverage makers. Connected to the outdoors, Emporia hosts the annual Unbound Gravel bicycle race and the Dynamic Discs Open, the world’s largest disc golf tournament. Plus, Division II athletics at Emporia State add to the list of fun things to do.

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