At $21,458/yr net price, Hesston College graduates earn $47,495/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,495/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,458 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,832 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,495/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,495/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,600/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,377/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,620/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,575/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,666/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 | $48,342 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $13,239 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
57.4% of students at Hesston 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
Hesston College delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings barely exceeding $47,000 ten years after graduation despite a net price of over $21,000 annually. The numbers reveal a stark divide between programs that work and those that don't.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $48,342 annually. This makes sense given Kansas's nursing shortage and Hesston's reputation in healthcare education. However, the Liberal Arts program shows troubling returns at just $13,239 in median earnings, making it one of the worst ROI programs you'll find at any college.
The school's 57% graduation rate creates additional risk. Nearly half of students who start at Hesston never finish, yet many still carry debt from their time there. With only 30% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay close to full price unless you qualify for merit scholarships.
Hesston makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing and can complete the program. The relatively low debt load of $12,000 helps, and nursing graduates can reasonably expect to service this debt on their starting salaries. The school's small size may also provide networking advantages in Kansas's tight-knit healthcare community.
Avoid Hesston if you're considering liberal arts or undecided about your major. The weak earning outcomes combined with private school pricing create a poor value proposition. You'd find better financial returns at Kansas community colleges or regional public universities for most non-nursing programs.
Focus on completing your degree quickly if you do attend. The 83% retention rate suggests most students who make it through freshman year will continue, but finishing in four years or less becomes critical given the modest earning potential of most programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hesston College worth the cost?
Hesston College's value depends heavily on your program choice. Nursing graduates earn $48,342 annually, making the $21,458 yearly cost reasonable, but liberal arts graduates average just $13,239, creating a poor return on investment.
What is the return on investment for Hesston College?
The overall ROI is below average, with graduates earning $47,495 ten years after enrollment. Only nursing programs show strong earnings potential, while other majors struggle to justify the tuition costs.
How much debt do Hesston College graduates have?
The median debt is $12,000, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. However, with a 57% graduation rate, nearly half of students leave without completing their degree.
Which programs at Hesston College have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs offer the strongest career outcomes at Hesston College, with graduates earning $48,342 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs show poor earning potential at $13,239, well below the poverty line for many areas.