Dodge City Community College: $4,650 Tuition

$4,650Tuition

1,200Students

31%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,427Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Dodge City Community College

Dodge City Community College serves the agricultural heartland of southwestern Kansas with programs that match the region's needs. The college enrolls 1,200 students in a town-remote setting that reflects the rural character of the Great Plains. Strong agriculture and technical programs prepare students for careers in farming, ranching, and skilled trades that drive the local economy. The Conquistadors compete in 16 varsity sports through the NJCAA, drawing 320 student-athletes who receive $1.16 million in athletic scholarships.

Students from low-income families pay just $3,967 net price annually, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in Kansas. Even students from middle-class families earning up to $75,000 pay under $6,200 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $45,427 ten years after enrollment, while typical debt loads remain manageable at $8,800. Monthly loan payments average just $93, though only 17% of students need federal loans.

The student body reflects southwestern Kansas demographics, with Hispanic students comprising 50% of enrollment and white students making up 28%. About 45% of students come from out-of-state, drawn by affordable tuition that costs just $1,200 more for non-residents. Campus housing accommodates 370 students in a close-knit community where the 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention.

Academics & Faculty

Dodge City Community College serves southwestern Kansas with a strong focus on agriculture and technical training programs that prepare students for the region's dominant industries. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to instructors, though the 31% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and studies. The college operates on a semester system and offers practical career preparation in areas like agriculture technology, welding, and automotive repair. With 1,200 students enrolled, classes remain relatively small and hands-on learning is emphasized. The school's technical programs align with local job markets in farming, ranching, and manufacturing that define this remote Kansas community.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,427

Campus Life

Dodge City sits in the heart of Kansas cattle country, roughly 150 miles from Wichita. With housing for only 370 students and total enrollment at 1,200, about 31% of students live on campus while most commute from the surrounding agricultural communities. The Hispanic population makes up 50% of the student body, reflecting the area's strong ties to the beef processing industry and agricultural workforce.

Winters here mean bundling up for winds that sweep across the plains, while summers bring intense heat that requires plenty of sunscreen. The 52% male, 48% female split reflects the school's focus on technical and agricultural programs. Weekend activities center around rodeo culture and outdoor recreation on the nearby Arkansas River. The Conquistadors field 16 varsity sports teams with 320 total athletes, creating a tight-knit athletic community. Students often gather for basketball games in the winter and baseball in the spring. Many work part-time jobs in town's processing plants or ranches, balancing coursework with real-world experience in agriculture and manufacturing.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 370 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1935

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Fondling	1	1	0	0
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–44°F
July Avg: 66°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 21.6"
Annual Snowfall: 21.1"

Student Demographics

Students come from across Kansas and beyond, with 55% staying in-state while others are drawn by the college's agricultural and technical programs. Half the student body is Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of southwestern Kansas farming communities. The gender split leans slightly male at 52%, typical for schools strong in agriculture and technical trades. About 28% receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families from rural Kansas. The Conquistadors attract students seeking affordable career training in agriculture, welding, and other hands-on fields essential to the region's economy.

Men: 52.2%
Women: 47.8%
White: 28.4%
Black: 10.4%
Hispanic: 50.0%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 55.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.9%

Location

Dodge City sits in southwestern Kansas, about 150 miles west of Wichita. This historic frontier town of 27,000 people maintains its Old West character while serving as a regional center for agriculture and cattle ranching. The college draws 55.48% of its students from Kansas, with many coming from small rural communities across the region. Dodge City's remote setting means students experience true small-town life, where the college serves as a central community gathering place. The surrounding High Plains landscape stretches for miles in every direction, creating a distinctly rural atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Dodge City Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Dodge City, Kansas 67801-2399

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,427
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,909
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $93/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,800

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Dodge City Community College?

As a community college, Dodge City Community College operates with an open admissions policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school enrolls 1,200 students and serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in southwestern Kansas.

How much does Dodge City Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $6,147 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,967 on average, while in-state tuition starts at $4,650 before aid.

What academic programs is Dodge City Community College known for?

The college maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and emphasizes agriculture and technical programs that serve the regional economy. Founded in 1935, it has built a reputation for practical career training in southwestern Kansas.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Dodge City Community College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 31%, which reflects the community college model where many students transfer before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median of $45,427 ten years after enrollment with relatively low debt burdens averaging $8,800.

Where do students live at Dodge City Community College?

The campus houses 370 students in on-campus housing at $7,850 per year for room and board. With 1,200 total students, most live off-campus in the surrounding Dodge City community.

Does Dodge City Community College have strong athletics programs?

The Conquistadors compete in NJCAA athletics with 16 varsity sports and 320 total athletes. The college invests $1,161,524 in athletic scholarships, making sports a significant pathway for student recruitment and campus life.