About Barton County Community College
Students pay an average net price of $11,865 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career training in Kansas. Graduates typically earn $40,428 ten years after starting college, providing solid returns on a relatively modest investment. Most students graduate with just $9,501 in debt, keeping monthly loan payments around $101. The numbers suggest students can reasonably expect to pay off their education while building stable middle-class careers.
The college fields 18 varsity sports teams with 361 total athletes, an impressive athletic presence for a school this size. Athletic scholarships total over $1.4 million, providing meaningful opportunities for student-athletes in rural Kansas. With an 89% employment rate after graduation, Barton County delivers on its promise of career-focused education that leads directly to jobs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 96.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,428
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,432 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $45,128 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,340 |
Campus Life
The 361 athletes across 18 varsity sports create the main social energy on campus. Basketball games draw the biggest crowds in this NJCAA athletic powerhouse. With $1.4 million in athletic scholarships distributed annually, sports scholarships help many students afford their education. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in vocational programs like welding, nursing, and agriculture.
Weekend activities center around small-town Great Bend, population 15,000. Students head to the local bowling alley, catch movies, or drive to larger towns for shopping. Many work part-time jobs since 89% find employment after graduation. The rural setting appeals to students seeking affordable education without big-city distractions. Most students balance coursework with jobs, family obligations, and tight-knit community connections.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 431 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–44°F
- July Avg
- 68°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 53.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 15.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.7%
- Women
- 56.3%
- White
- 56.4%
- Black
- 13.9%
- Hispanic
- 12.1%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 82.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.4%
Location
- Address
- Great Bend, Kansas 67530
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,428
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,573
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 41.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,501
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Barton County Community College?
Barton County Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, accepting students with a high school diploma or equivalent. With 2,273 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in rural Kansas. Most students are Kansas residents, making up 82.55% of the student body.
How much does Barton County Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,865 per year, though costs vary by family income. Families earning under $30,000 pay around $11,573, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay just $9,782. The college keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $3,616 and graduates carrying a median debt of only $9,501.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Barton County Community College?
The college maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college setting. Students can choose from comprehensive two-year programs designed for both transfer preparation and career training. The semester system allows for traditional academic pacing in rural Kansas.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Barton County Community College?
Graduates achieve an 88.9% employment rate, reflecting strong job placement in the region. Median earnings reach $40,428 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating solid career outcomes for a two-year institution. The college's 42.90% six-year graduation rate aligns with national community college averages.
Does Barton County Community College offer on-campus housing?
The college provides housing for 431 students at $6,515 per year for room and board. Campus life includes a robust athletic program with 18 varsity sports and 361 student-athletes competing in NJCAA divisions. The rural Great Bend setting creates a close-knit community atmosphere typical of small-town Kansas colleges.
How strong is the athletic program at Barton County Community College?
The college invests heavily in athletics, distributing $1,403,720 in athletic scholarships across 18 varsity sports. With 361 student-athletes, sports play a central role in campus culture and student recruitment. The NJCAA athletic programs help attract students from across Kansas and neighboring states to this rural community college.
