A study released early this month is a timely reminder of the important role played by small private colleges in Kansas.

The study, commissioned by the Kansas Independent College Association, took a look at 18 small colleges in Kansas, including Baker University in Baldwin City. Although many of the colleges aren’t well known outside their geographical area or alumni base, the study said, the schools contribute more than $980 million to the state’s economy.

Besides the economic contribution, the schools also have a big educational impact on the state. Matt Lindsey, president of the college association, pointed out that the 18 schools combined would represent the third largest university in the state. Graduates of those schools, he added, account for about a quarter of the new teachers and nurses in Kansas.

Specifically at Baker, officials say about 83 percent of the school’s nursing graduates work in Kansas and many found jobs immediately after graduation. In addition to the 176 students enrolled in Baker’s nursing program through Stormont-Vail Health Care in Topeka, the school has another 186 students in undergraduate or graduate programs in business, criminal justice, liberal arts and leadership.

Many Douglas County residents are aware of Baker University but they may not fully appreciate the contributions of Baker and other small colleges in the area, including Ottawa University just a few miles further south and Benedictine College in Atchison. Haskell Indian Nations University is a federal institution that wasn’t included in the study but also is an important cultural and educational asset to Lawrence and the rest of the state.

One goal of the study, said Lindsey, was to raise the profile of the private colleges. Although they don’t receive state funding, he said, the smaller schools would like to have a seat at the table when state officials discuss educational policy issues such as how high schools can best prepare their graduates for success.

That seems reasonable. With the fall semester about to get underway, it’s a good time for Kansans to acknowledge the important role these private colleges play in the state’s higher education picture.