At $6,262/yr net price, Independence Community College graduates earn $34,941/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $941/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,262 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,048 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,941/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$941/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 26.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,115 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,949/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,063/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,708/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,033/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,187/yr |
The Risk Factor
34.3% of students at Independence 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
Independence Community College offers modest financial returns with significant completion risks that make it a weak ROI choice for most students. With only 34% of students graduating and median earnings of $34,941 after ten years, your financial outcomes depend heavily on actually finishing your program.
The low debt load of $6,115 provides some protection against financial disaster, but the poor graduation rate means many students leave with debt and no credential. Your annual net price of $6,262 is reasonable for a community college, but only if you complete your program and transfer successfully or enter the workforce with marketable skills.
Career-focused programs like nursing, automotive technology, and welding typically offer better job prospects in southeastern Kansas than general education tracks. The region's agricultural and manufacturing base creates demand for technical skills, making vocational certificates potentially more valuable than associate degrees aimed at transfer.
You should consider Independence Community College only if you need extremely affordable education close to home and have strong motivation to complete your program. The school works best for students with clear career goals in technical fields or those using it as a stepping stone to four-year universities.
Look elsewhere if you need strong academic support systems or have struggled with completing educational programs in the past. The low graduation rate suggests many students encounter obstacles they cannot overcome. Students seeking liberal arts education or unsure about their career direction would likely find better ROI at schools with higher completion rates and stronger support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Independence Community College worth the money?
Independence Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $6,262 per year and minimal debt of $6,115. However, the 34% graduation rate is concerning and 10-year earnings of $34,941 are below average for college graduates.
How much debt will I have after Independence Community College?
Graduates from Independence Community College typically leave with $6,115 in debt, which is relatively low compared to most colleges. The manageable debt load helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Independence Community College?
Independence Community College has a 34% graduation rate, meaning two-thirds of students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor to consider when evaluating the school's value.
How much do Independence Community College graduates earn?
Independence Community College graduates earn a median of $34,941 ten years after starting school. This is below the national average for college graduates, though the low cost and debt make the return on investment reasonable for a community college.