At $665/yr net price, Fort Scott Community College graduates earn $37,213/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,213/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $665 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $2,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,213/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,213/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,025/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $210/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31/yr |
| $110,001+ | $1,699/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $13,702 | $4,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $13,702 | $7,100 |
The Risk Factor
33.7% of students at Fort Scott Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Fort Scott Community College offers one of the lowest net prices in the country at just $665 per year, but the financial returns remain weak across most programs. Your median earnings after graduation hit only $37,213 annually, which puts graduates well below regional averages even accounting for the two-year degree structure.
The earnings data reveals concerning patterns. Both top programs by enrollment - Cosmetology and Liberal Arts - generate identical median earnings of just $13,702 annually. This income barely exceeds minimum wage work and creates challenging debt-to-income ratios even with relatively modest borrowing amounts. Cosmetology graduates carry $4,750 in debt while Liberal Arts students graduate with $7,100, both problematic given the low earning potential.
The 33.7% graduation rate compounds these financial risks. You face significant odds of leaving without a credential while still carrying debt. Only 26% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay out-of-pocket for programs with limited earning potential.
Fort Scott makes financial sense primarily if you plan to transfer to a four-year institution after completing general education requirements at rock-bottom prices. The school also works for local students who can live at home and want basic job training without relocating. However, you should avoid career-focused programs here unless you have specific local employment lined up.
Look elsewhere if you need strong career outcomes from a terminal degree. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings makes Fort Scott a poor investment for most career-focused students, despite the minimal upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Scott Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Fort Scott Community College offers exceptional value with a net price of just $665 per year, making it one of the most affordable options available. However, graduates earn a median of $37,213 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at Fort Scott Community College?
Fort Scott's top programs include Cosmetology and Liberal Arts, but both lead to relatively modest earnings around $13,702 annually. Students should consider whether these career paths align with their income expectations before enrolling.
How much student debt do Fort Scott Community College graduates have?
Fort Scott graduates typically leave with $9,500 in debt, which is manageable given the low cost of attendance. The combination of minimal debt and extremely low tuition makes this school financially accessible for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Fort Scott Community College?
Only 33.7% of students graduate from Fort Scott Community College, which is concerning for completion rates. Students should have clear academic goals and support systems in place to avoid becoming part of the non-completion majority.