About Highland Community College
Students pay an average net price of $10,388 after financial aid, making Highland one of the more affordable options in Kansas. Graduates earn a median of $41,291 ten years after starting, while carrying just $8,277 in debt with monthly payments of only $88. The numbers work in students' favor here. An employment rate of 90.3% shows that Highland delivers on its promise to prepare students for immediate career success.
Athletics play a big role in campus culture, with 280 students competing across 8 NJCAA sports. The college awards $685,652 in athletic scholarships, helping talented student-athletes afford their education. With housing for 400 students, campus life centers around residence halls where students from across Kansas and beyond build lasting friendships.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,291
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,108 |
| Education, General. | Associate | $21,234 |
Campus Life
Students bundle up for harsh prairie winters with snow and ice, then shed layers for hot, humid summers. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles don't go unnoticed. With 280 athletes competing in 8 NJCAA sports, games draw crowds on this tight-knit campus. Students often drive to nearby Atchison or make weekend trips to Kansas City for entertainment beyond campus activities. The surrounding farmland stretches for miles, offering starry night skies but limited off-campus dining and shopping. Most social life revolves around residence halls, athletic events, and campus organizations in this quintessential small-town college experience.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 400 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1962
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–36°F
- July Avg
- 67°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 21.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.0%
- Women
- 55.0%
- White
- 62.5%
- Black
- 16.3%
- Hispanic
- 4.8%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 65.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.2%
Location
- Address
- Highland, Kansas 66035-4165
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,291
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $44,472
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $88/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,277
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Highland Community College?
Highland Community College maintains an open admissions policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college enrolls 1,262 students and serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in rural Kansas. Students can begin their educational journey without the stress of competitive admissions standards.
How much does Highland Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $10,388 annually, with tuition set at $4,116 for both in-state and out-of-state residents. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,194 after aid, making this one of Kansas's most affordable college options. Only 17% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many can afford the low sticker price.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Highland Community College?
Highland Community College maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on providing foundational education and workforce training. This intimate learning environment helps students build strong relationships with instructors during their two-year programs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Highland Community College?
Graduates achieve a 90.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation in rural Kansas. The median earnings one year after graduation start at $29,833, growing to $41,291 ten years later. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $8,277, leading to affordable monthly loan payments of just $88.
Where do students live at Highland Community College?
The college provides on-campus housing for 400 students, with room and board costing $7,944 annually. About 65% of the student body comes from Kansas, creating a close-knit community feel. The rural setting in Highland offers a quiet, focused environment away from urban distractions.
Does Highland Community College have strong athletics programs?
Highland Community College competes in NJCAA athletics with 8 varsity sports programs supporting 280 student-athletes. The college awards $685,652 in athletic scholarships, representing a significant investment in student-athlete success. Athletics serve as both a pathway to four-year transfers and a source of campus pride in this small Kansas community.
