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$3,240Tuition
763Students
34%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$37,213Earnings
Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Fort Scott Community College

Fort Scott Community College draws students who want small-town college life with serious athletic programs. The school enrolls 763 students in southeastern Kansas, where farming communities meet rolling prairie. Fort Scott has built a reputation as a pipeline for student-athletes, with 286 varsity athletes competing across 13 sports in the NJCAA. The Greyhounds particularly excel in basketball and baseball, sending players to four-year programs regularly.

Students pay remarkably little after financial aid kicks in. The average net price is just $665, making this one of the most affordable colleges in America. Even families earning up to $110,000 annually pay only $31 net price. Graduates earn a median of $37,213 ten years after enrollment, which easily covers the typical $9,500 in student debt. Monthly loan payments average just $101, making Fort Scott an strong value proposition.

The student body is 53% female and reflects rural Kansas demographics, with 69% white students. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for personal attention. The 33.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality of community college students who often transfer, work, or take longer paths to completion. Housing capacity of 357 means about half of students can live on the compact campus.

Academics & Faculty

Fort Scott Community College serves as a regional workforce pipeline with strong ties to local industries and healthcare systems. The college offers over 40 associate degree and certificate programs, with nursing, welding, and automotive technology drawing students from across Kansas and neighboring states. With 763 students and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for professors to know every student by name. The 33.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce before completing degrees. Students earning $37,213 ten years after enrollment often find jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors that anchor the regional economy.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
54.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
33.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,213

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. Certificate $13,702
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $13,702

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Fort Scott sits in southeastern Kansas, about 90 miles south of Kansas City. The 763-student campus centers around a small college town where 46.8% of students live on campus in residence halls that house 357 students total. Kansas weather means you'll need both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid summers that stretch into September.

The Greyhounds compete in 13 varsity sports through the NJCAA, with 286 total athletes making athletics a major part of campus culture. Weekend life revolves around sporting events, especially basketball and baseball games that draw strong local crowds. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and professors know students by name. The surrounding area offers outdoor activities like fishing at nearby lakes and hiking trails, though many students drive to Kansas City for shopping and entertainment. Campus traditions include homecoming festivities and athletic rivalries that bring together the tight-knit community. Students often gather in the student center or residence hall lounges, creating the close relationships typical of smaller colleges.
Setting
Town-Remote
Housing Capacity
357 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1919

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–41°F
July Avg
69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation
45.0"
Annual Snowfall
10.8"

Student Demographics

Fort Scott draws students from across Kansas and beyond, with 44% coming from out-of-state seeking affordable education in a small-town setting. The student body leans slightly female, reflecting strong programs in health sciences and education that attract women to rural Kansas. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families looking for career training without crushing debt. The Greyhounds athletics program brings in nearly 300 student-athletes, creating a tight-knit campus culture where sports and academics blend in southeastern Kansas farm country.
Men
46.8%
Women
53.2%
White
69.2%
Black
13.9%
Hispanic
9.0%
Asian
0.7%
In-State Students
56.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.4%

Location

Fort Scott sits in southeastern Kansas, about 90 miles south of Kansas City. The town has a population of roughly 7,500 residents. This rural community lies near the Missouri border in an area known for rolling hills and agricultural land. Fort Scott preserves its frontier heritage through a historic downtown district and the Fort Scott National Historic Site. The college enrolls 763 students in a town where the campus represents a significant presence. Many students come from small Kansas towns, though 43.4% travel from out of state. The remote setting offers a close-knit environment where students often know their classmates personally. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Fort Scott Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,213
Median Earnings (5 years)
$36,349
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$30,600
Loan Repayment Rate
37.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Fort Scott Community College?

As an open-admission community college, Fort Scott Community College accepts all students who apply with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 763 students and focuses on providing accessible education in rural southeast Kansas. Founded in 1919, it maintains a welcoming environment for students seeking affordable higher education.

How much does Fort Scott Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of just $665 after financial aid, making Fort Scott one of the most affordable colleges in Kansas. In-state tuition runs $3,240 per year, while total cost of attendance reaches $11,170 including room and board. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $1,025 net price annually.

What academic programs is Fort Scott Community College known for?

Fort Scott maintains a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, providing personalized attention in career-focused programs. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and workforce development in rural Kansas. Students can choose from traditional transfer programs and technical training designed to meet regional employment needs.

What career outcomes do Fort Scott Community College graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median income of $37,213 ten years after starting college, with a strong employment rate of 94.6%. The college's 33.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $9,500 and monthly loan payments of $101.

Where do students live at Fort Scott Community College?

The campus houses 357 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere unusual for a community college. About 57% of students come from Kansas, while the remainder travel from neighboring states. The small-town setting of Fort Scott provides a safe, supportive environment for students transitioning to college life.

Does Fort Scott Community College have competitive athletics?

The Greyhounds compete in 13 NJCAA sports with 286 total athletes, making athletics a major part of campus culture. The college awards $626,197 in athletic scholarships annually, helping recruit talented student-athletes to rural Kansas. Sports programs serve as a pipeline for students to continue competing at four-year universities.