At $10,388/yr net price, Highland Community College graduates earn $41,291/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,291/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,388 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,552 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,291/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,291/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,277 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,194/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,296/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,073/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,707/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,820/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 | $53,108 | |
| Education, General. | Associate | $21,234 |
The Risk Factor
38.6% of students at Highland Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Highland Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The school's $10,388 annual net price keeps debt manageable, with graduates owing just $8,277 at completion.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $53,108 annually. This creates a strong return on your investment and positions you well in Kansas's healthcare job market. However, education majors face a stark contrast, earning only $21,234 after graduation, which barely justifies even this affordable education cost.
The 38.6% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. If you don't complete your program, you'll carry debt without the credential needed for higher earnings. This low completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish, potentially leaving you with educational debt but no degree.
Highland works best if you're pursuing nursing or another healthcare track where job demand remains strong in rural Kansas. The low net price makes it accessible for students who need to minimize debt while gaining career-focused skills.
Avoid Highland if you're considering education or other lower-earning majors, unless you have specific local job prospects lined up. The combination of modest earnings potential and completion challenges creates poor financial outcomes for many programs.
Financial aid reaches only 17% of students, suggesting most pay close to full price. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize your return, especially given the school's completion challenges. Consider Highland primarily as a stepping stone to nursing careers or other high-demand technical fields where the regional job market supports graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highland Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Highland Community College offers a relatively low net price at $10,388 per year, but graduates earn just $41,291 annually after 10 years. The low graduation rate of 39% means many students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Highland Community College have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Highland Community College lead to median earnings of $53,108, making them the clear financial winner. Education graduates earn significantly less at $21,234, which may not justify the cost and time investment.
How much student debt do Highland Community College graduates typically have?
Highland Community College graduates carry a median debt of $8,277, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with average earnings of $41,291, some graduates may still struggle with loan payments.
Should I attend Highland Community College if I'm unsure about my major?
With a 39% graduation rate, Highland Community College has completion challenges that could leave you with debt and no degree. The school works best for students committed to nursing or who need affordable credits to transfer elsewhere.