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$3,360Tuition
3,206Students
45%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$39,429Earnings
#12 in NebraskaPublic2-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About Central Community College

Central Community College has built a strong reputation for workforce training and career-focused education across central Nebraska. The school serves 3,206 students in Grand Island, connecting rural and small-town students with practical skills for immediate employment. Nearly 32% of students are Hispanic, making it one of the more diverse community colleges in the state. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation.

Students pay an average net price of $6,781 after financial aid, making it highly affordable for working families. Graduates earn a median of $39,429 ten years after starting, while carrying just $7,992 in debt. Monthly loan payments average only $85, and 96.6% of graduates find employment quickly. The return on investment works well for students seeking immediate career entry rather than four-year degrees.

The Raiders compete in nine NAIA sports with 127 total athletes sharing $203,802 in athletic scholarships. With 87% of students coming from Nebraska, the campus maintains a strong local connection. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in technical programs. Only 19% of students need federal aid, reflecting the college's appeal to working adults and career changers who often pay out of pocket.

Academics & Faculty

Central Community College built its reputation around workforce training and career-focused programs that prepare students for Nebraska's job market. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in hands-on programs like nursing, automotive technology, and agricultural mechanics. Students can complete certificates and associate degrees designed to connect directly to employment opportunities. The 44.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's mission serving working adults and students who often attend part-time while balancing other responsibilities. CCC emphasizes practical skills over theory, with programs aligned to regional employer needs. The college's strong ties to local businesses create internship opportunities and direct pathways to jobs after graduation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
54.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
44.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,429

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $54,574
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $43,426
Precision Metal Working. Associate $39,585
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $38,289
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $37,424
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $37,088
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. Associate $36,560
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. Associate $35,954
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $34,847
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $32,925

View all 59 programs →

Campus Life

Central Community College sits in Grand Island, a city of 50,000 people about 90 minutes west of Lincoln. With 553 housing spots for 3,206 students, only about 17% live on campus. Most commute from nearby towns or rent apartments around the city. Nebraska winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, while summers hit the 90s.

The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in career-focused programs like welding, nursing, and automotive technology. With 58.98% female enrollment, the campus skews toward healthcare and business programs. The Raiders compete in nine NAIA sports with 127 total athletes, giving this community college a more traditional athletic experience than most two-year schools. Weekends often mean heading home or working part-time jobs, as 87.40% of students are Nebraska residents with strong local ties. The campus serves as a regional center where students from small farming communities gain practical skills before entering the workforce or transferring to four-year universities.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
553 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1966

Campus Safety (2023)

10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 2 2 1 0
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 0
Burglary 0 0 1 0
Domestic Violence 0 0 1 0
Rape 0 0 1 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
15°–36°F
July Avg
65°–88°F
Annual Precipitation
26.6"
Annual Snowfall
27.7"

Student Demographics

Central Community College draws students primarily from Nebraska, with 87% coming from in-state. The student body is 59% women, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services. Hispanic students make up nearly one-third of enrollment, mirroring the demographics of central Nebraska's agricultural communities. The college serves as a local workforce pipeline, with many students balancing family responsibilities and jobs while pursuing career training. Only 19% receive Pell Grants, suggesting the school attracts working adults and traditional students from middle-income farming and small-town families.
Men
41.0%
Women
59.0%
White
61.7%
Black
3.7%
Hispanic
31.8%
Asian
1.1%
In-State Students
87.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
19.0%

Location

Grand Island, Nebraska sits in the heart of the state's agricultural region, about 100 miles west of Omaha and 150 miles from Lincoln. The city serves as a regional center for central Nebraska's farming communities, with a population around 53,000. This working-class town blends small-city amenities with rural accessibility. The Platte River runs through the area, and the Great Plains stretch in every direction. Grand Island's economy centers on agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation, making it ideal for Central Community College's workforce-focused programs. The 87% in-state enrollment reflects the school's role serving local and regional students. Students considering colleges in Nebraska may also compare Central Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Grand Island, Nebraska 68802-4903

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,429
Median Earnings (5 years)
$45,122
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,500
Loan Repayment Rate
57.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$85/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$7,992

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Central Community College?

Central Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with high school diplomas or equivalents. The school enrolls 3,206 students and focuses on providing accessible education for workforce development in central Nebraska. Students can begin their academic journey regardless of previous academic performance.

How much does Central Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Central Community College is $6,781 annually. In-state tuition runs $3,360 while out-of-state students pay $4,800, making it an affordable option for career training. Students graduate with a median debt of just $7,992, lower than four-year institutions.

What academic programs is Central Community College known for?

Central Community College specializes in workforce training programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment in central Nebraska's economy. The school maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in hands-on career programs. The college has built a strong reputation for practical, job-focused education since its founding in 1966.

What are the job prospects for Central Community College graduates?

Central Community College graduates achieve a 96.6% employment rate, demonstrating strong connections to local employers. The median earnings after 10 years reach $39,429, reflecting the practical value of the college's career-focused programs. Graduates typically enter the workforce immediately rather than transferring to four-year institutions.

Where do Central Community College students live and what is campus life like?

Central Community College houses 553 students in on-campus facilities, serving a student body that is 87.40% from Nebraska. The Raiders compete in NAIA athletics with 9 varsity sports and 127 total athletes. The small-city setting of Grand Island provides a close-knit community atmosphere for the college's diverse student population.

How diverse is the student body at Central Community College?

Central Community College serves a diverse population with 31.75% Hispanic students and 61.73% white students, reflecting central Nebraska's changing demographics. Women make up 58.98% of the enrollment of 3,206 students. This diversity enriches the learning environment while the college maintains its focus on serving the local workforce development needs.