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 keeps costs low and debt lower, which is the main reason its numbers work. You pay under $7,000 a year at sticker, and you graduate with a median debt of $8,000. That debt load is small enough that even the school's median earnings, which sit below $38,000 a decade out, can service it without wrecking your finances.
The program you pick decides everything here. The nuclear and industrial radiologic technology associate degree is the clear winner, paying roughly $49,000 against $8,500 in debt. Precision metal working lands well behind it but still clears $30,000. Both feed into skilled technical work, and Arkansas City sits in a region where that kind of hands-on industrial training has local demand. The health and medical administrative services and general studies tracks are the weak spots, paying in the low $20,000s. General studies with $8,000 in debt is the riskiest combination on the list, since it carries typical debt with the lowest payoff and no specific trade attached.
The main financial risk is the 47% graduation rate. Debt from unfinished credits still comes due, and half of enrollees don't finish. If you start, commit to completing a credential that actually pays.
This school fits you if you want a specific technical certificate or degree, especially radiologic technology or metal working, and you want to keep borrowing minimal. If you're aiming for a career that requires a bachelor's, treat this as a cheap transfer step, not an endpoint.
On net price, families earning under $48,000 pay the least, around $5,300 to $5,700 a year. Above $75,000, your cost climbs past $9,000, and over $110,000 it tops $10,700. Even at the high end, the price stays modest compared to four-year options.
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.