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$3,420Tuition
2,911Students
45%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$43,470Earnings
#10 in KansasPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Hutchinson Community College

Hutchinson Community College has built a reputation as one of Kansas's strongest two-year institutions, particularly known for its competitive athletics program and career-focused training. The Blue Dragons serve 2,911 students in this south-central Kansas town, creating a close-knit campus environment where students can build meaningful relationships with faculty and peers. The college has been preparing students for four-year transfers and immediate workforce entry since 1928.

Students typically pay around $5,300 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in the region. Graduates earn a median of $43,470 ten years after enrollment, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $9,773. The return on investment proves solid for a community college education, especially considering the low monthly loan payments of just $104.

The Blue Dragons field 10 varsity sports with 270 student-athletes competing at the NJCAA level, supported by over $1.4 million in athletic scholarships. This athletic strength attracts talented students from across Kansas, though 92% of the student body comes from in-state. Women make up 61% of enrollment, reflecting broader community college demographics. The 95.2% employment rate demonstrates the college's success in preparing graduates for immediate career success.

Academics & Faculty

Hutchinson Community College serves as a gateway for students across south-central Kansas, with 91.76% of its 2,911 students coming from in-state. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid support for students navigating their first two years of college or pursuing career certificates. About 45.20% of students complete their programs within six years, which reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working. The Blue Dragons are particularly known for their strong athletics program, with $1.4 million in athletic scholarships supporting 270 student-athletes across 10 varsity sports. The college focuses heavily on career preparation and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
45.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,470

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $47,260
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. Associate $46,087
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $45,500
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $38,829
Fire Protection. Associate $38,289
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $38,289
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. Associate $37,208
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $35,060
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. Associate $33,446
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $31,305

View all 59 programs →

Campus Life

Hutchinson sits in the heart of Kansas wheat country, about 50 miles northwest of Wichita. With 528 beds for 2,911 students, only about 18% live on campus in this commuter-friendly environment. The Blue Dragons compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 270 athletes sharing $1.4 million in athletic scholarships, making games a central part of campus life.

Kansas weather means you'll need both winter coats for snowy January days and plenty of sunscreen for blazing summer heat. The 91% in-state student body creates a tight-knit community where everyone seems to know someone from their hometown. Weekends often revolve around Blue Dragons athletics, especially basketball and baseball. Many students work part-time jobs in town or commute home to family farms and small Kansas communities. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, creating a supportive environment for students transitioning from high school or returning to education later in life.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
528 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1928

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 1
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 1
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–42°F
July Avg
68°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
85.6"
Annual Snowfall
9.2"

Student Demographics

The Blue Dragons draw primarily from south-central Kansas, with 92% of students staying close to home. Women make up 61% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong nursing and health programs that traditionally attract female students. Nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, showing Hutchinson serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The diverse student body includes significant Hispanic representation at 13%, mirroring the changing demographics of rural Kansas. Most students come from families earning under $48,000 annually, making the $4,000 average net price crucial for accessibility.
Men
39.1%
Women
60.9%
White
60.9%
Black
7.5%
Hispanic
13.0%
Asian
0.8%
In-State Students
91.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
23.8%

Location

Hutchinson sits in south-central Kansas, about 50 miles northwest of Wichita. The town of roughly 40,000 residents serves as a regional center for agriculture and industry in the Great Plains. With 91.76% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from rural Kansas communities seeking affordable education close to home. The flat prairie landscape stretches in all directions, punctuated by wheat fields and cattle ranches that define the local economy. Hutchinson itself offers small-town charm with a historic downtown and the famous Kansas Cosmosphere space museum. The campus provides a tight-knit community feel that many students from smaller Kansas towns find familiar. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Hutchinson Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Hutchinson, Kansas 67501
Hutchinson Community College - Kansas Cosmosphere Hutchinson Kansas 9-14-2014
Hutchinson Community College - Kansas Cosmosphere Hutchinson Kansas 9-14-2014
Kadeem Allen1
Kadeem Allen1

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,470
Median Earnings (5 years)
$48,843
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,500
Loan Repayment Rate
43.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$104/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,773

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Hutchinson Community College?

Hutchinson Community College maintains an open admissions policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 2,911 students primarily from Kansas, with 91.76% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education in south-central Kansas.

How much does Hutchinson Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,300 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition costs just $3,420, while the total cost of attendance reaches $11,250 including room and board. Low-income students with family incomes under $30,000 pay only $4,145 net price, making education highly affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Hutchinson Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 17:1, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college. The college focuses on career and technical programs alongside traditional academics. Students benefit from hands-on learning in programs designed to prepare them for immediate employment or transfer to four-year institutions.

What are the employment outcomes for Hutchinson Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 95.2% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in job preparation. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years after graduation, while recent graduates earn $39,867 in their first year. The college's career-focused programs clearly connect students to Kansas's job market.

Where do students live at Hutchinson Community College?

The campus provides housing for up to 528 students in residence halls, creating a traditional college experience. With 60.91% women and 39.09% men enrolled, the college maintains a diverse student body. The small-town setting of Hutchinson offers a close-knit community atmosphere for students.

Does Hutchinson Community College have strong athletic programs?

The Blue Dragons compete in NJCAA athletics with 10 varsity sports and 270 total athletes. The college awards $1,416,306 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant investment in sports programs. Athletics serve as a major pathway for students to continue their education and compete at the junior college level.