At $15,533/yr net price, Flint Hills Technical College graduates earn $47,007/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,007/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,533 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,132 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,007/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,007/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,625 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,081/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,434/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,852/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,758/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,193/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $63,005 | $18,500 |
| Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Other. | Associate | $60,094 | |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,130 | $9,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $33,281 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $26,585 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $25,709 | $5,500 |
The Risk Factor
67.5% of students at Flint Hills Technical College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Flint Hills Technical College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year school, with median earnings of $47,007 annually and manageable debt loads averaging $6,625. Your total educational investment pays back relatively quickly in most programs.
The dental support program stands out as the clear winner financially, generating $63,005 in median earnings despite higher debt of $18,500. Automotive repair and construction programs also perform well, with repair technicians earning over $60,000 annually. These technical fields align well with Kansas's industrial economy and consistent regional demand.
Nursing presents a mixed picture at Flint Hills. While practical nursing graduates face lower debt at $9,500, the $36,130 median earnings lag behind other healthcare programs regionally. If you're set on nursing, you might find better returns at four-year programs or specialized nursing schools.
The school's 67.5% graduation rate indicates program completion challenges you should consider. Only 11.3% of students receive financial aid, suggesting either limited need-based support or a student body that doesn't qualify for extensive aid programs.
Flint Hills works best if you want quick entry into skilled trades with established job markets in Kansas. The dental and automotive programs offer particularly strong career prospects. However, if you're considering the nursing track or need substantial financial aid, exploring alternatives makes financial sense. Your location matters here since many graduates likely stay regional, where these technical skills command steady wages in manufacturing and service sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Flint Hills Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of $15,533 per year and median debt of just $6,625, Flint Hills Technical College offers decent value for technical training. Graduates earn $47,007 after 10 years, which provides a reasonable return on investment for most programs.
What are the best paying programs at Flint Hills Technical College?
Dental support services leads at $63,005 in earnings, followed by automotive repair at $60,094. These programs justify the tuition cost better than lower-paying options like precision metalworking at $33,281.
How much debt do Flint Hills Technical College graduates have?
The median debt is $6,625, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. However, with a 67.5% graduation rate, one in three students don't finish their programs.
Does Flint Hills Technical College have good job placement after graduation?
While specific placement rates aren't available, graduates in dental support and automotive repair earn well above the national median. Lower-paying programs like nursing assistants at $36,130 may struggle to justify the investment.