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$31,368Tuition
308Students
57%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$47,495Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24Mennonite Church

About Hesston College

Hesston College builds on more than a century of Mennonite educational tradition in rural Kansas. The college serves 308 students with a mix of two-year associate degrees and select four-year bachelor's programs. This small institution emphasizes close relationships between faculty and students with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural setting shapes campus life, creating a tight-knit community where faith and learning intersect.

Students pay an average net price of $21,458 after financial aid, less than the sticker price. Low-income families with household earnings under $30,000 pay just $12,600 annually. Graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, well below national averages. The investment pays off with median earnings reaching $47,495 within ten years of graduation. Monthly loan payments average only $127, making the debt manageable for most graduates.

Athletic programs draw 176 student-athletes across 11 varsity sports competing in the NCCAA. The Larks benefit from over $1 million in athletic scholarships annually. Campus housing accommodates up to 500 students, creating a residential experience where most undergraduates live on campus. The 83.33% retention rate suggests students find what they're looking for in this small Mennonite college environment.

Academics & Faculty

Hesston College operates as a small Mennonite institution offering both associate degrees and select bachelor's programs with deep roots in service-oriented education. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive personal attention that's reflected in the 83% retention rate. Students benefit from close mentoring relationships with professors who know them by name. The college is particularly known for its nursing program, which has built a strong reputation throughout Kansas and beyond. Aviation technology and disaster management programs draw students seeking specialized career training. With 57% of students graduating within four years, the intimate academic environment helps students succeed through hands-on learning and faith-integrated curricula that emphasize practical skills alongside academic knowledge.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
7:1
Full-Time Faculty
68.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
57.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
57.4%
Retention Rate
83.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$47,495
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $48,342
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $13,239

View all 9 programs →

Campus Life

The 308 students at Hesston College experience small-town life in rural Kansas, about 30 miles north of Wichita. With housing capacity for 500 students, most undergraduates live on the compact campus surrounded by wheat fields and prairie. Kansas weather means hot summers requiring plenty of sunscreen and cold winters where a heavy coat is essential.

The 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know every student by name. The Mennonite heritage emphasizes community service and social justice, with students regularly participating in volunteer work and service learning trips. With 11 varsity sports and 176 total athletes, the Larks compete in NCCAA athletics, making games popular weekend activities. The campus operates on strong Mennonite values of simplicity and peacemaking, though students from all backgrounds attend. Weekend options include intramural sports, chapel services, and trips to nearby Newton or Wichita for shopping and entertainment. The tight-knit community means campus events like talent shows and service projects draw large crowds despite the small enrollment.
Setting
Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity
500 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1909

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 0 0 1 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–41°F
July Avg
69°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
33.8"
Annual Snowfall
8.8"

Student Demographics

Hesston draws students seeking a tight-knit Christian community rooted in Mennonite values. The student body splits nearly evenly between Kansas residents and out-of-state students, reflecting both strong local ties and the college's appeal to Mennonite families nationwide. About 30% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families who value affordable faith-based education. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for small liberal arts colleges. The diverse racial composition, with half being students of color, shows Hesston's commitment to welcoming students from various backgrounds into its close community of just over 300.
Men
45.8%
Women
54.2%
White
50.3%
Black
8.4%
Hispanic
15.9%
Asian
1.3%
In-State Students
44.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
30.3%

Location

Hesston College sits in the small town of Hesston, Kansas, about 35 miles north of Wichita. The campus serves just 308 students in a distinctly rural setting surrounded by farmland and prairie. Harvey County's agricultural landscape reflects the college's Mennonite roots and emphasis on community values. Students experience true small-town life where everyone knows each other. The nearest shopping and entertainment options require a drive to Newton or Wichita. This isolation creates a tight-knit campus culture that contributes to the college's 83.33% retention rate. The rural environment appeals to students seeking a quiet, focused academic atmosphere away from urban distractions. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Hesston College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Hesston, Kansas 67062-2093
Hesston-alliman
Hesston-alliman

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$47,495
Median Earnings (5 years)
$50,710
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,600
Loan Repayment Rate
69.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Hesston College?

Hesston College maintains an 83.33% retention rate, suggesting most students who enroll find a good fit. This Mennonite institution founded in 1909 focuses on creating a close-knit community where students can explore both associate and bachelor's degree programs. The small size of 308 students means admissions counselors can work personally with each applicant.

How much does Hesston College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,458 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of $31,368. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,600 annually. The median debt load of $12,000 is remarkably low for a four-year degree, reflecting the school's commitment to affordable Mennonite education.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Hesston College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 7:1, ensuring personalized attention in every class. This small Kansas college emphasizes hands-on learning and mentorship relationships. Faculty members know students by name and can provide individualized guidance throughout their academic journey.

What do graduates of Hesston College earn after graduation?

Alumni earn a median salary of $47,495 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 98.5% employment rate. Graduates typically start their careers earning $61,548 in their first year out. The school's focus on practical skills and Mennonite values of service helps students find meaningful work in their communities.

Where is Hesston College located and what is campus life like?

The rural campus in Hesston, Kansas houses up to 500 students in a tight-knit community setting. With 176 athletes competing in 11 varsity sports as the Larks, athletic participation is a major part of campus culture. The Mennonite tradition emphasizes community service, simple living, and strong interpersonal relationships.

Does Hesston College offer both two-year and four-year programs?

Hesston College operates on a unique model offering both associate degrees and select bachelor's programs to its 308 students. The graduation rate of 57.67% for four-year programs reflects the school's dual mission as both a community college and four-year institution. This flexibility allows students to start with a two-year degree and potentially continue their education.