At $8,021/yr net price, Colby Community College graduates earn $41,889/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,889/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,021 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,084 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,889/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,889/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,908 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,119/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,061/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,851/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,278/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,662/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,007 |
The Risk Factor
57.3% of students at Colby 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
Colby Community College delivers solid returns on a modest investment, with graduates earning a median of $41,889 annually after investing just $8,021 per year. Your debt load stays manageable at $8,908, creating a payback timeline that makes financial sense for most career paths.
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services stands out as the clear winner among programs, generating $41,007 in median earnings. This aligns well with Kansas's healthcare job market and regional demand for medical support staff. Other programs show weaker financial outcomes, so choose carefully based on your career goals and local job prospects.
The 57% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed to boost your earnings. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid (23%) suggests limited financial assistance, though this also indicates many students can afford the low sticker price without borrowing heavily.
Colby works best financially if you're targeting healthcare support roles, need affordable career training close to home, or want to complete prerequisites before transferring. The school makes less sense if you're considering programs outside healthcare without clear regional job demand, or if you struggle with program completion.
Your location in rural Kansas means fewer job opportunities locally, so factor in whether you're willing to relocate after graduation. The low net price gives you flexibility to explore different paths without crushing debt, but research employment prospects for your chosen field before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colby Community College worth the cost?
Colby Community College offers reasonable value with a low net price of $8,021 per year and graduates earning $41,889 annually after 10 years. The manageable debt load of $8,908 and strong allied health programs make it worthwhile for students seeking affordable career training.
What programs at Colby Community College have the best return on investment?
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs show the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $41,007 annually. These programs align well with the school's low cost structure and provide direct pathways to stable employment.
How much debt do Colby Community College graduates typically have?
The median debt for Colby Community College graduates is $8,908, which is manageable given the school's low annual cost. This debt level is reasonable compared to many four-year institutions and allows graduates to pay off loans without financial strain.
What is the graduation rate at Colby Community College and does it affect value?
Colby Community College has a 57% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges but means nearly half of students don't complete their programs. Students should have clear career goals and be prepared to stay committed to maximize their investment.