Independence Community College: $4,260 Tuition

$4,260Tuition

518Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,941Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Independence Community College

Independence Community College draws students who want hands-on career training and affordable college preparation in southeastern Kansas. This public two-year college enrolls 518 students on a rural campus that emphasizes practical skills and community connections. The Pirates compete in seven NJCAA sports with 139 total athletes earning $517,063 in athletic scholarships.

Students pay an average net price of $6,262 after financial aid, with 40% receiving Pell Grants. Low-income families pay just $4,949 per year for attendance. Graduates earn a median of $34,941 ten years after starting college, making the typical $6,115 in student debt manageable with monthly payments of $65. The college delivers solid value for students seeking quick entry into the workforce or preparing to transfer to four-year universities.

The student body reflects regional diversity, with 40% White students and 30% Black students creating an unusually integrated campus for rural Kansas. Men slightly outnumber women at 56% of enrollment. Despite the small size, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. The 34% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's mission serving many first-generation and working students who balance education with other responsibilities.

Academics & Faculty

Independence Community College focuses on workforce training and transfer preparation for southeastern Kansas. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention in small classes. The college offers career-focused programs in nursing, welding, and automotive technology that connect directly to local job markets. About 34% of students complete their programs within six years, which reflects the mix of students who transfer after two years and those completing certificates. The Pirates compete in seven NJCAA sports with 139 total athletes receiving $517,063 in athletic scholarships. Many students use Independence as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities or enter skilled trades immediately after graduation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 50.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 34.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,941

Campus Life

Independence sits in southeastern Kansas, about 120 miles from Kansas City and surrounded by prairie farmland. With 518 total students, this small campus creates a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The college houses 296 students on campus, meaning more than half the student body lives in dorms and builds close friendships.

Kansas weather demands both winter coats and summer shorts. Students bundle up for freezing January temperatures and prepare for hot, humid summers that reach the 90s. The 56% male, 44% female split reflects the college's strong vocational programs alongside traditional academics. With 139 student athletes competing in 7 varsity sports, Pirates games draw solid crowds from the small student body.

Weekend activities center around the campus since Independence offers limited nightlife in this rural town of 8,500 residents. Students often gather in dorms, attend athletic events, or drive to larger cities for entertainment. The $6,100 room and board cost keeps campus living affordable, while the 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 296 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1925

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Aggravated Assault	4	4
Rape	3	3
Burglary	2	1
Dating Violence	2	1
Arson	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–44°F
July Avg: 69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.1"
Annual Snowfall: 11.1"

Student Demographics

Independence Community College draws students primarily from Kansas and surrounding states, with 43% coming from in-state. The student body reflects the school's mission to serve working-class families, as 40% receive Pell Grants for low-income students. Men slightly outnumber women at this rural college, likely reflecting strong programs in trades and agriculture that traditionally attract male students. The diverse racial composition includes significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students. Most Pirates come seeking affordable career training or planning to transfer to four-year universities after completing general education requirements.

Men: 56.2%
Women: 43.8%
White: 39.8%
Black: 30.3%
Hispanic: 9.7%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 42.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.2%

Location

Independence Community College sits in Independence, Kansas, roughly 100 miles south of Kansas City. The college serves 518 students in this rural southeastern Kansas town of about 8,500 residents. Independence has deep ties to oil and natural gas production, giving the area an industrial character alongside its agricultural roots. The setting is classic small-town Kansas with wide open spaces and a close-knit community feel. Students come from both in-state (42.86%) and neighboring states, drawn by affordable tuition starting at $4,260 for Kansas residents. The Pirates compete in seven NJCAA sports with 139 total athletes. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Independence Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Independence, Kansas 67301-0708

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,941
Median Earnings (5 years): $33,599
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 39.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $65/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,115

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission at Independence Community College?

Independence Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with diverse academic backgrounds. With 518 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for both local Kansas residents and out-of-state students seeking affordable higher education.

What does Independence Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,262 annually, with costs varying by family income. The college keeps education affordable with in-state tuition at $4,260 and graduates carrying a median debt of just $6,115.

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

The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing more personalized attention than many larger institutions. This small-college atmosphere helps students in both career-focused programs and transfer preparation for four-year universities.

What are job prospects like for Independence Community College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $34,941 ten years after completion, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training. With a 75% employment rate, the college successfully prepares students for immediate workforce entry in rural Kansas and surrounding areas.

Where do students live at Independence Community College?

The college houses students in residence halls with a capacity of 296, creating a close-knit campus community. With only 518 total students, over half can live on campus if they choose, fostering strong connections among the Pirates student body.

Does Independence Community College offer athletic scholarships?

The Pirates distribute $517,063 in athletic scholarships across seven NJCAA sports programs. With 139 total athletes on a small campus, sports play a significant role in campus culture and provide financial assistance opportunities for talented student-athletes.