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
The financial case for Fort Scott Community College rests almost entirely on how little it costs. At $665 a year net price and $9,500 in median debt, you can leave with a two-year credential and barely a dent in your finances. That low cost matters because the earnings picture is weak: median earnings ten years out sit near $37,000, and only a third of students finish.
Neither of the two programs with reported earnings gives you a reason to expect strong pay. Both cosmetology and general studies show roughly $13,700 a year in the data here, which is well below the school-wide median. General studies is a transfer track, so those earnings reflect people who stopped at the associate level and never moved on to a four-year degree. Cosmetology is a certificate, and the debt attached to it stays under $5,000, so the downside is small even if the paycheck is too.
The specific risk here is finishing. With a 33.7% graduation rate, the bigger threat to your money isn't debt, it's paying for terms and walking away without the credential. Low cost only pays off if you complete.
The net price tiers reward middle-income families most. If your household earns $75,000 to $110,000, you pay around $31 a year. Between $48,000 and $75,000, it's about $210. Families earning under $30,000 pay slightly more at roughly $1,025, and over $110,000 you pay the most at about $1,699.
This school fits you if you want a cheap, low-risk start toward a transfer, and you have a concrete plan to finish and move to a four-year school. If you need a two-year credential that pays on its own, the earnings data here doesn't support that.
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.