Cowley County Community College: $4,350 Tuition

$4,350Tuition

1,548Students

47%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,723Earnings

#14 in KansasPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Cowley County Community College

Cowley County Community College has built a reputation as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education and strong athletic programs. The college enrolls 1,548 students in this small Kansas town, creating an intimate learning environment where students get personal attention. Known for its robust athletics program, Cowley fields 14 varsity sports teams with 314 total athletes competing at the NJCAA level.

Students pay an average net price of $6,752, making this one of the more affordable paths to higher education. In-state tuition runs just $4,350, while out-of-state students pay $6,150. Graduates earn a median of $37,723 ten years after enrollment, which provides solid returns on the investment. Students typically leave with only $8,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $85, making this a financially sensible choice for many families.

The college awards $1.3 million in athletic scholarships annually, reflecting its commitment to recruiting talented student-athletes. With a student body that's 60% women and 70% Kansas residents, Cowley maintains strong ties to the local community. The 47% six-year graduation rate shows that nearly half of students successfully complete their programs, whether they're pursuing associate degrees or preparing to transfer to four-year institutions.

Academics & Faculty

Cowley County Community College built its reputation around hands-on career training and transfer preparation since 1922. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring that many four-year schools can't match. Nearly half of students complete their programs within six years, earning a 47.40% graduation rate. The college is particularly known for its strong athletic programs, with 314 student-athletes competing across 14 NJCAA sports. Students can choose from traditional liberal arts transfer tracks or dive into technical programs that prepare them for immediate employment. With 93.1% of graduates finding work, the school delivers practical education that translates directly into career opportunities in southern Kansas.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 47.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,723

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$49,436
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$30,771
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$23,456
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,757

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Arkansas City sits about 45 miles south of Wichita in the rolling plains of south-central Kansas. With 516 beds for 1,548 students, about one-third of students live on campus in residence halls that create a tight-knit community feel. The rest commute from nearby towns or live off-campus in this small city of 12,000 residents.

Kansas winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while summers reach into the 90s. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally. With 314 athletes competing in 14 NJCAA sports, games draw solid crowds from both campus and the local community. Basketball and baseball traditionally perform well in regional competition. Weekends often revolve around athletic events, outdoor activities along the Arkansas River, or trips to Wichita for shopping and entertainment. The campus hosts concerts and social events in the student union, though many students head home on weekends since 70% come from Kansas. Study groups and intramural sports fill evening hours for residential students.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 516 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1922

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Arson	0	1
Burglary	1	0
Stalking	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–45°F
July Avg: 70°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 34.9"
Annual Snowfall: 6.2"

Student Demographics

Cowley County serves primarily Kansas students who stay close to home, with 70% coming from in-state. The student body leans female at 60%, reflecting strong programs in nursing and education that traditionally draw more women. More than one in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the college fulfills its mission of providing affordable education to working-class families in south-central Kansas. The school attracts students from diverse backgrounds, with significant Hispanic and Black enrollment. Most come seeking practical career training or planning to transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees.

Men: 39.7%
Women: 60.3%
White: 61.0%
Black: 6.5%
Hispanic: 12.9%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 70.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.2%

Location

Arkansas City sits in south-central Kansas, about 50 miles southeast of Wichita. The town of roughly 12,000 residents provides a classic small-town college experience in the Great Plains. Agriculture dominates the surrounding landscape, with wheat fields and cattle ranches stretching toward the Oklahoma border just 15 miles south. The Arkansas River flows through the community, giving the town its name despite being in Kansas. Downtown features historic brick buildings and local businesses that serve both residents and the college's 1,548 students. The rural setting offers lower living costs, with on-campus room and board totaling just $6,100 annually. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Cowley County Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Arkansas City, Kansas 67005

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,723
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,445
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 33.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $85/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Cowley County Community College?

Community colleges like Cowley County typically have open enrollment policies, meaning they accept all students who have completed high school or earned a GED. With 1,548 students enrolled, the college serves a diverse population where 60.27% are women and 70.03% come from Kansas.

How much does Cowley County Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $6,752, making it highly affordable for most families. Students from lower-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $5,702 after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Cowley County Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 16:1, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. This ratio supports the college's focus on career preparation and academic transfer programs that help students transition to four-year universities.

What are the job prospects for Cowley County Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 93.1% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in career preparation. The median earnings after 10 years reach $37,723, reflecting the value of technical and professional programs offered.

Does Cowley County Community College offer on-campus housing?

Yes, the college provides housing for up to 516 students at $6,100 per year for room and board. Campus life includes a robust athletics program with 14 varsity sports and 314 student-athletes competing in NJCAA divisions.

How much athletic scholarship money does Cowley County Community College award?

The college awards $1,315,739 in athletic scholarships across its 14 sports programs. This substantial investment reflects Cowley County's reputation as a strong junior college athletics program that helps student-athletes develop skills while earning their associate degrees.