At $5,300/yr net price, Hutchinson Community College graduates earn $43,470/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,470/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,300 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,470/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,470/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,773 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,145/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,365/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,499/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,383/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,343/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 | $47,260 | $13,372 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,500 | $10,964 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $38,829 | $20,125 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,289 | $8,750 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
45.2% of students at Hutchinson Community 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
Hutchinson Community College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year institution, with graduates earning a median of $43,470 annually against just $5,300 in yearly costs. Your debt load stays manageable at under $10,000, making this one of the more affordable paths to career training in Kansas.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, producing graduates who earn $47,260 with only $13,372 in debt. Electromechanical instrumentation and allied health diagnostics also deliver strong returns above the median. Fire protection and health administration programs pay less but still justify the low investment costs.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 45% graduation rate. If you drop out, you lose the earnings boost without eliminating debt. The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, so middle-income families might pay close to full price.
This school works financially if you want technical training without four-year costs, especially in healthcare or skilled trades. The local job market in central Kansas supports these career paths reasonably well. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive financial aid or want programs leading to higher-paying careers that require bachelor's degrees.
Focus on completing your program rather than transferring. The debt-to-earnings ratio works because costs stay low, but only if you finish. Community college transfer rates often disappoint, so treat Hutchinson as career preparation rather than a stepping stone unless you have concrete four-year plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hutchinson Community College worth the cost?
At $5,300 per year with typical graduates earning $43,470 after 10 years, Hutchinson Community College offers reasonable value for the price. The low debt load of under $10,000 makes it a safer financial choice than many four-year schools.
What are the best paying programs at Hutchinson Community College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at around $47,260, followed by electromechanical instrumentation at $46,087. Healthcare-related programs generally offer the strongest return on investment at this school.
How much debt do Hutchinson Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $9,773, which is manageable compared to four-year college debt levels. This low debt burden reduces financial risk even if career outcomes don't meet expectations.
What is the graduation rate at Hutchinson Community College?
Only 45% of students graduate, which is concerning for program completion. Students should have clear career goals and strong study habits before enrolling to avoid becoming part of the majority who don't finish.