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 gives you a modest but low-risk financial return. At $10,388 a year in net price, with median debt of just $8,277, you leave without a debt load that will follow you around. Median earnings ten years out sit at $41,291, which is fine for a two-year public school in rural Kansas but not a number that changes your life.
The nursing program is the clear payoff here. Registered Nursing graduates earn $53,108, more than double what the general education associate degree returns at $21,234. If you come to Highland for nursing, the math works strongly in your favor. If you come for the general education track, you should treat it as a transfer step toward a four-year degree, because $21,234 on its own barely clears entry-level wages and won't justify even this school's low cost as a final credential.
The biggest risk is the 38.6% graduation rate. Nearly two out of three students don't finish, and if you drop out you still owe for the time you spent. The low debt figure only helps you if you actually complete a credential that pays.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $48,000 in household income, you pay around $8,200 a year. Cross into the $48,000-$75,000 band and your cost jumps to $12,073, then climbs above $13,700 past $75,000. Middle and higher-income families pay roughly $5,500 more per year than the lowest bracket.
Highland fits you if you want the nursing program or a cheap, low-debt place to knock out transfer credits and you're confident you'll finish. Look elsewhere if you're chasing high earnings from a terminal associate degree or you're unsure about completing, since the odds of finishing here are against you.
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.