As the second most populous city in Kansas, Overland Park is home to a wide variety of reasons to visit, and even more reasons to settle down. Much of that is thanks to the atmosphere of higher education, with many colleges and universities, as well as trade and vocational schools, in the city and surrounding area. One of the biggest draws is the Johnson County Education Research Triangle, which brings together three large schools in the spirit of research, science and technology.
Johnson County Community College is one of the country's largest single-site community colleges. The school offers nearly 50 programs that culminate in a certificate or associate degree, and also has transfer agreements with no less than 25 regional colleges and universities, thus allowing students to move into a bachelor's program with ease. The Continuing Education division can help students learn a new trade, brush up on skills necessary for promotion and more. JCCC also offers unique education centers, including Workforce Development, Culinary Academy and the National Academy of Railroad Sciences Program.
Popular trade colleges in Overland Park area include Cleveland University, home to chiropractic and health studies, and Z Hair Academy and Paul Mitchell the School for cosmetologists.
One of the largest universities in Overland Park is the University of Kansas Edwards Campus, where students can pursue more than 50 degree, certificate and professional education programs. A centerpiece of the school's presence in Overland Park is the Business, Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST) Building, located on the Johnson County Education Research Triangle. There's also the University of Kansas Confucius Institute, where students can dive into Chinese language and culture.
Other colleges in Overland Park include faith-based Ottawa University, which has programs specifically designed for working adults.
Those seeking to earn graduate degrees in Overland Park don't have to look far to find them. KU Edwards Campus is home to more than 30 graduate degree and certificate programs, including those in education, engineering, journalism and social welfare.
To learn more about the state's higher education opportunities, visit the Kansas colleges page.
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