Donnelly College: $10,350 Tuition

$10,350Tuition

343Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,715Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Donnelly College

Donnelly College serves 343 students in Kansas City with a mission rooted in Catholic social justice and serving underrepresented communities. The college has built its reputation on providing accessible education to first-generation college students and working adults. Women make up 76% of the student body, while Black students represent 42% and Hispanic students 34% of enrollment. This small liberal arts institution emphasizes personal attention with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio.

Students pay an average net price of $15,025 after financial aid, with 63% receiving Pell Grants. Recent graduates earn a median of $35,715 ten years after enrollment, while typical student loan debt sits at $11,842. Monthly loan payments average just $126, making this one of the more affordable pathways to a degree. The employment rate reaches an impressive 96.6% for graduates.

The college's Dragons compete in athletics, though academics remain the primary focus. The 75% retention rate reflects the close-knit community atmosphere, while the 38% six-year graduation rate shows the challenges facing a student body where many juggle work and family responsibilities. Donnelly's strength lies in its commitment to serving students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.

Academics & Faculty

Donnelly College operates as a Catholic liberal arts institution focused on serving first-generation college students and working adults. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes, though the 38% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and family obligations. The college emphasizes practical career preparation through programs in business, education, and social services. Nearly two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school's mission to serve lower-income populations. Faculty know students by name and provide extensive academic support. The curriculum blends liberal arts foundations with job-ready skills, preparing graduates for immediate employment in the Kansas City metro area.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 46.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 29.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 38.0%
Retention Rate: 75.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,715
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$39,648
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,052

View all 9 programs →

Campus Life

Donnelly College sits in Kansas City's urban core, where 343 students navigate a campus that reflects the city's working-class character. With 76% women and strong representation from Black (42%) and Hispanic (34%) communities, the student body brings diverse perspectives to this Catholic institution's mission of serving first-generation college students.

Kansas City winters demand heavy coats when temperatures drop into the 20s, while humid summers reach the 90s. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're absent. Most students commute from the metro area, creating a campus that empties by evening. Weekend activities often center around the city's barbecue scene, sports venues, and cultural districts rather than traditional college parties.

The Dragons compete in NAIA athletics, though the school's real strength lies in workforce preparation programs. With 63% of students receiving Pell Grants, many juggle classes with part-time jobs. The tight-knit community means study groups often become lasting friendships, and the Catholic identity provides structure without being overwhelming for students from different faith backgrounds.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

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

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–39°F
July Avg: 71°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 38.1"
Annual Snowfall: 11.0"

Student Demographics

Donnelly College draws primarily working-class students from the Kansas City metro area, with nearly six out of ten students staying in-state. The student body is predominantly women, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing, education, and social services. About two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, showing Donnelly's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income families. The college maintains its Catholic mission while serving a diverse community where students of color make up the majority. Most students juggle work and family responsibilities alongside their studies, creating a supportive environment for non-traditional learners.

Men: 23.6%
Women: 76.4%
White: 12.8%
Black: 42.0%
Hispanic: 34.4%
Asian: 5.5%
In-State Students: 59.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 63.1%

Location

Donnelly College sits in Kansas City, Kansas, part of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area that spans both Kansas and Missouri. The campus serves students in a midsize city setting with access to urban amenities and cultural opportunities. Kansas City offers a blend of Midwestern charm and metropolitan resources, known for its barbecue scene, jazz heritage, and affordable cost of living. The college draws 59.14% of its students from within Kansas, while the remaining students come from out-of-state. The urban environment provides internship and job opportunities that contribute to the school's 96.6% employment rate for graduates. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Donnelly College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Kansas City, Kansas 66102

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,715
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,177
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 23.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $126/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,842

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Donnelly College?

Donnelly College enrolls 343 students, with women making up 76% of the student body. The campus serves a diverse community where 42% of students are Black and 34% are Hispanic, reflecting the college's mission to serve underrepresented populations in Kansas City.

How much does Donnelly College cost after financial aid?

Students at Donnelly College pay an average net price of $15,025 annually, with tuition set at $10,350 for both in-state and out-of-state students. About 63% of students receive financial aid, and graduates typically leave with a manageable median debt of $11,842.

What are the class sizes like at Donnelly College?

Donnelly College maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention. This Catholic liberal arts college operates on a semester system and emphasizes close mentoring relationships between professors and students.

What are the graduation outcomes at Donnelly College?

Donnelly College has a 38% six-year graduation rate and 30% four-year graduation rate, with a strong 76% retention rate from first to second year. Graduates earn a median salary of $35,715 ten years after graduation, and the college boasts an impressive 97% employment rate for its alumni.

Where is Donnelly College located and what is the campus setting?

Donnelly College sits in Kansas City, Kansas, in a midsize city setting that provides urban opportunities while maintaining a close-knit community feel. About 59% of students come from within Kansas, and the college's Dragons athletics teams compete as part of the campus experience.

Does Donnelly College have a religious mission?

Donnelly College operates as a Roman Catholic institution with a strong commitment to serving first-generation college students and working-class families. The college's Catholic liberal arts mission emphasizes social justice and community service, with 63% of students qualifying for Pell Grants, indicating the school's focus on supporting students from lower-income backgrounds.