At $11,477/yr net price, Cloud County Community College graduates earn $39,883/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,883/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,477 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $45,908 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,883/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,883/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,651/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,980/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,671/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,555/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,503/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Associate | $67,101 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $45,249 | $9,453 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,964 | $7,398 |
The Risk Factor
45.9% of students at Cloud 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
Cloud County Community College delivers strong returns for technical programs but weak outcomes for general studies. Your annual net cost of $11,477 positions this as an affordable option, though graduation rates below 50% signal completion challenges you'll need to handle.
The mechanic and repair technologies program stands out with graduates earning $67,101 annually, making it one of the highest-paying two-year programs in Kansas. Nursing graduates earn $45,249 with manageable debt of $9,453, providing solid middle-class earning potential. Liberal arts graduates face a harsh reality with median earnings of just $21,964, barely above minimum wage despite carrying $7,398 in debt.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 54% of students who don't graduate. Cloud County's rural location in north-central Kansas limits job opportunities outside of agriculture, healthcare, and trades. You'll likely need to relocate for career advancement in most fields.
This school works best if you're pursuing hands-on technical training or nursing and can commit to completing your program. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited grant opportunities, but the relatively low debt loads indicate reasonable pricing. Avoid Cloud County if you're considering liberal arts or general studies unless you have a clear transfer plan to a four-year university.
Focus on the technical programs where Cloud County has established employer relationships. The school's small size means more personalized attention, but fewer resources for academic support. Your success depends heavily on choosing the right program and staying committed through graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cloud County Community College worth the cost?
Cloud County Community College offers decent value for specific career programs, but overall outcomes are mixed. With a net price of $11,477 annually and median earnings of $39,883 ten years after graduation, students can expect a moderate return on investment if they complete their programs.
What programs at Cloud County Community College have the best ROI?
Mechanic and repair technology programs offer the strongest returns with median earnings of $67,101. Nursing programs also provide solid prospects at $45,249, while liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $21,964.
How much debt do Cloud County Community College students typically graduate with?
Students graduate with a median debt of $8,000, which is relatively low for higher education. However, with a 45.9% graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
What are the risks of attending Cloud County Community College?
The main risk is the low graduation rate of 45.9%, meaning over half of students don't finish their programs. Liberal arts students face particularly poor earning prospects, making $21,964 compared to the school's overall average of $39,883.