About Garden City Community College
The financial picture makes sense for working families. With in-state tuition at just $3,570 and total costs around $10,590, students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $6,831 after aid. Most graduate with only $6,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $69. While the median earnings of $41,704 ten years out might seem modest, graduates often stay local where the cost of living is low, and 92.9% find employment after completing their programs.
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, which matters when you're learning skills for immediate employment or preparing to transfer to a four-year school. About 96% of students come from Kansas, creating a tight-knit community where classmates often become lifelong friends and professional contacts.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,704
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,270 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $46,869 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $31,133 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,598 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $17,779 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Associate | $13,702 |
Campus Life
Winters here are cold and windy (you'll need that coat), while summers get hot with afternoon thunderstorms rolling across the plains. The Broncbusters compete in 18 varsity sports with 270 total athletes, so games draw good crowds in a town where the college is a major social center. Nearly half the student body is Hispanic (49.58%), reflecting the area's agricultural workforce, and 96.27% are Kansas residents. Weekends often center around athletics, the campus recreation center, or trips to Dodge City 25 miles away. Students here tend to be practical and hardworking, many planning to transfer to four-year schools or enter careers right after graduation.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 540 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1919
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–44°F
- July Avg
- 64°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 46.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.5%
- Women
- 56.6%
- White
- 27.4%
- Black
- 8.0%
- Hispanic
- 49.6%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 96.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.4%
Location
- Address
- Garden City, Kansas 67846-6333
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,704
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,858
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $69/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $6,500
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Garden City Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Garden City Community College is $8,681 per year. This affordable community college keeps costs low with in-state tuition at just $3,570 and room and board at $6,600. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of only $6,831.
What is the student body like at Garden City Community College?
Garden City Community College enrolls 1,321 students with a diverse population that reflects southwestern Kansas demographics. Hispanic students make up 49.58% of enrollment while white students comprise 27.40%, creating a majority-minority campus. The college draws almost exclusively from Kansas with 96.27% of students coming from in-state.
How good are the academics at Garden City Community College?
Garden City Community College maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention in the classroom. The college has operated since 1919 and focuses on career preparation and transfer programs. With its small class sizes, students get direct access to instructors in both academic and technical programs.
What kind of job prospects do Garden City Community College graduates have?
Garden City Community College graduates earn a median salary of $41,704 ten years after starting college. The employment rate stands at 92.9%, reflecting strong job placement in the region's agriculture and energy industries. Graduates typically carry manageable debt loads with a median of $6,500 and monthly loan payments of just $69.
Does Garden City Community College have strong athletics?
Garden City Community College fields 18 varsity sports teams competing in the NJCAA as the Broncbusters. The athletic program supports 270 student-athletes with $863,598 in athletic scholarships available. The Broncbusters have built a reputation for competitive junior college athletics in Kansas.
What makes Garden City Community College unique?
Garden City Community College serves as an educational anchor in remote southwestern Kansas where few higher education options exist. The college's 41.10% six-year graduation rate reflects its role as both a stepping stone for transfer students and career training center for local industries. Its location in cattle and agriculture country shapes much of its vocational programming.
