At $6,752/yr net price, Cowley County Community College graduates earn $37,723/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,723/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,752 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,008 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,723/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,723/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.4% |
| 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 | $5,702/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,316/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,691/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,327/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,731/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,436 | $8,500 |
| 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 | $8,000 |
The Risk Factor
47.4% of students at Cowley 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
Cowley County Community College delivers solid financial value for career-focused students, with a low net price of $6,752 annually and manageable debt loads under $9,000. The nuclear and industrial radiologic technology program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning $49,436 within ten years while carrying only $8,500 in debt.
Your program choice will make or break your financial outcomes here. Nuclear technology graduates earn more than double what liberal arts students make, turning a modest investment into strong career prospects in Kansas's energy sector. Precision metal working also pays off reasonably well at $30,771, while health administration and liberal arts programs struggle to justify even the low costs with starting salaries in the low $20,000s.
The 47% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. You need realistic expectations about finishing what you start.
This school works best for students targeting specific technical careers, particularly those willing to pursue the demanding nuclear technology program. If you want broad general education or plan to transfer to a four-year school immediately, the weak liberal arts outcomes suggest looking elsewhere. The low percentage of students receiving financial aid indicates limited need-based support, but the affordable base price makes this less concerning than at pricier schools.
Focus on the technical programs if you enroll here. The liberal arts track offers poor financial returns that even the low tuition cannot overcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cowley County Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $6,752 per year and graduates earning $37,723 annually after 10 years, Cowley County Community College offers reasonable value for the cost. The low median debt of $8,000 keeps financial risk manageable, though the 47% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish.
What are the best paying programs at Cowley County Community College?
Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies leads with graduates earning $49,436 annually, making it the clear ROI winner. Precision Metal Working pays $30,771, while Liberal Arts graduates earn just $22,757, which barely exceeds the typical high school graduate's income.
How much debt do Cowley County Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $8,000, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load means most graduates can pay off loans without major financial strain.
Should I attend Cowley County Community College for liberal arts?
Liberal arts graduates from Cowley County Community College earn only $22,757 after 10 years, which provides minimal return on investment. Students interested in liberal arts should consider this program primarily as a stepping stone to transfer to a four-year university.