At $11,865/yr net price, Barton County Community College graduates earn $40,428/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,428/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,865 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,460 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,428/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,428/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,501 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,573/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,782/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,319/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,118/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,907/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,432 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $45,128 | $9,969 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,340 | $8,750 |
The Risk Factor
42.9% of students at Barton County Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Barton County Community College offers solid returns for healthcare-focused students but weak prospects for those pursuing general education. The nursing programs deliver strong earning potential, with registered nursing graduates earning $48,432 annually and practical nursing graduates making $45,128. These figures represent meaningful premiums over the school's overall median of $40,428.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the liberal arts program, where graduates earn just $23,340 annually while carrying $8,750 in debt. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment difficult. The school's 42.90% graduation rate also means you face substantial odds of leaving without a credential.
The $11,865 annual net price keeps costs manageable for a two-year program, and the relatively low $9,501 median debt load reduces long-term financial stress for successful graduates. However, only 18.36% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited assistance beyond federal programs.
Barton County works best if you plan to enter healthcare fields and can commit to completing your program. The nursing tracks provide clear pathways to middle-class earnings in a region where healthcare jobs remain stable. Skip this school if you want broad liberal arts education or lack certainty about finishing your degree. The weak general studies outcomes combined with below-average graduation rates create too much downside risk for undecided students who might not complete their programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barton County Community College worth the cost?
Barton County Community College can be worth it if you pursue nursing programs, which lead to median earnings around $45,000-$48,000. Liberal arts graduates earn only $23,340 after 10 years, making those programs harder to justify financially.
What is the return on investment for Barton County Community College?
With a net price of $11,865 per year and 10-year median earnings of $40,428, Barton County Community College offers modest returns that vary significantly by program. Nursing students see much better outcomes than general studies majors.
How much debt do Barton County Community College graduates have?
Barton County Community College graduates have a median debt of $9,501, which is relatively manageable for a community college. However, with the school's 43% graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Which programs at Barton County Community College have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing and practical nursing programs at Barton County Community College offer the strongest job prospects, with graduates earning $45,000-$48,000 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs show much weaker earning potential at just $23,340.