Kansas State is actually in Manhattan, KS ( 2 hours away from Kansas City). I do not think that you would feel out of place, the Grad program is a very diverse group. I did not have a very good art background, there is a course that you take, which helps you with developing your skills.
The MLA is ranked eigth in the country, which makes the graduates very competitive in getting a job. honestly it does not matter what profession your in these days everyone is concerned with getting jobs.
The other questions I am unable to answer, but the department head Dan Donelin, dandon@ksu.edu should be able to provide some insight into them.
