At $8,681/yr net price, Garden City Community College graduates earn $41,704/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,704/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,681 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,724 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,704/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,704/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,831/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,037/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,537/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,305/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,715/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,270 | $10,908 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $46,869 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $31,133 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,598 | $8,068 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $17,779 | $5,500 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Associate | $13,702 |
The Risk Factor
41.1% of students at Garden City Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Garden City Community College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year institution, with median earnings of $41,704 against a net price of $8,681 annually. Your debt load stays manageable at $6,500, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career advancement in western Kansas.
The nursing program stands out as your strongest financial bet, generating $49,270 in median earnings despite carrying higher debt at $10,908. Agricultural mechanization also pays well at $46,869, reflecting the region's farming economy and need for skilled technicians. These technical programs align perfectly with southwest Kansas job markets.
Avoid cosmetology if financial returns matter to you. At $17,779 in median earnings, this program barely covers living expenses and offers weak long-term prospects. Liberal arts transfers earn $28,598, which works if you plan to complete a bachelor's degree elsewhere but falls short as a terminal credential.
Garden City works best if you want quick entry into nursing or agricultural fields without crushing debt. The 41% graduation rate signals completion challenges, so you need strong motivation and study habits. With only 29% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the full net price, though this remains reasonable for community college standards.
This school makes financial sense for career changers, high school graduates wanting immediate workforce entry, or students planning affordable transfer pathways. Skip Garden City if you need extensive support services or prefer urban job markets, as the rural location limits career diversity after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Garden City Community College worth the money?
Garden City Community College offers solid value with low debt ($6,500 median) and affordable tuition ($8,681 net price), but the 41% graduation rate means many students don't finish. The nursing program pays off well at $49,270 median earnings, while liberal arts graduates earn just $28,598.
What are the best paying programs at Garden City Community College?
Nursing programs at Garden City Community College lead to the highest earnings at $49,270 annually, followed by agricultural mechanization at $46,869. General business graduates earn $31,133, while cosmetology graduates earn only $17,779.
How much debt do Garden City Community College students have?
Garden City Community College students graduate with relatively low debt at $6,500 median compared to four-year schools. However, with overall graduate earnings of $41,704 annually, debt-to-income ratios remain manageable for most programs except cosmetology.
Does Garden City Community College have good job placement?
Garden City Community College's job outcomes vary significantly by program, with nursing and agricultural mechanization graduates seeing strong earnings above $46,000. The 41% graduation rate suggests completion challenges that can hurt job prospects for students who don't finish.