At $5,899/yr net price, Allen County Community College graduates earn $40,059/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,059/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,899 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,596 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,059/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,059/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,954 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,334/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,787/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,101/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,182/yr |
| $110,001+ | $6,949/yr |
The Risk Factor
39.1% of students at Allen County Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Allen County Community College delivers solid financial returns despite a concerning 39% graduation rate that puts many students at risk of leaving with debt and no credential. Your net annual cost of $5,899 is strongly low for Kansas, making this one of the most affordable paths to career training in the region.
The school's strength lies in health sciences and skilled trades programs that align well with southeast Kansas employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. Nursing and medical assistant programs typically lead to starting salaries that justify the modest investment. Welding and industrial maintenance training connect directly to regional job openings at companies like Ash Grove Cement and local agricultural operations.
Your biggest financial risk is the graduation rate. Nearly two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no degree to show for it. If you struggle with academic persistence or lack clear career goals, this pattern could apply to you. The low 17% of students receiving financial aid suggests most funding comes from personal resources, making completion even more critical.
This school works best if you have specific career training goals in high-demand local fields and can commit to finishing your program. The combination of rock-bottom costs and decent post-graduation earnings creates positive ROI for completers. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or want transfer opportunities to four-year programs, as the infrastructure appears limited given the completion rates.
With median debt under $7,000, financial risk stays manageable even if you don't finish, but the opportunity cost of time lost makes completion essential for any meaningful return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allen County Community College worth the cost?
Allen County Community College offers reasonable value with a low net price of $5,899 per year and modest debt levels around $7,000. However, the 39% graduation rate is concerning and typical earnings of $40,000 after 10 years are below average for college graduates.
What is the average debt for Allen County Community College graduates?
Allen County Community College graduates have a median debt of $6,954, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. This manageable debt load helps offset the lower earning potential after graduation.
Do Allen County Community College graduates get good jobs?
Allen County Community College graduates earn around $40,000 annually 10 years after starting college, which is below the national average for college graduates. The school's low graduation rate of 39% also suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What programs at Allen County Community College have the best ROI?
Allen County Community College focuses on vocational and technical training, but specific program outcomes aren't widely reported. Given the rural Kansas location, programs aligned with local industries like agriculture, healthcare support, or skilled trades likely offer the best job prospects.