At $13,912/yr net price, Johnson County Community College graduates earn $45,387/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,387/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,912 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,648 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,387/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,387/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,074/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,159/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,293/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,298/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,399/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $67,101 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $54,630 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,607 | $9,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,270 | $10,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $47,046 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $46,478 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $45,852 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $38,018 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $36,852 |
The Risk Factor
29.5% of students at Johnson County 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
Johnson County Community College delivers strong financial returns for students who pick the right programs, but the low 29.5% graduation rate creates significant risk for those who don't finish.
The school's transportation and dental programs stand out financially. Ground transportation graduates earn $67,101 annually, while dental support services graduates make $54,630. These programs offer strong returns given the modest debt loads typical at community colleges.
Nursing provides solid middle-ground returns at $51,607 with only $9,000 in median debt. Allied health programs also deliver reasonable outcomes at $49,270, though debt climbs to $10,750. Criminal justice graduates earn $47,046, which represents decent value for a two-year degree in the Kansas City metro area.
The major financial risk here is non-completion. Nearly 70% of students don't graduate, which means no degree and potential debt without the earning boost. The $13,912 annual net price is reasonable for Kansas, but only if you finish.
This school works best for students with clear career goals in high-demand technical fields like transportation, healthcare, or skilled trades. The Kansas City region's strong logistics and healthcare sectors support these programs well. Students seeking general education or unsure about their direction face higher risk given the graduation rate.
Financial aid covers relatively few students at 16.5%, suggesting most families pay near full price. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize the return and minimize total costs. Students who struggle with self-direction or need extensive support services should consider four-year alternatives with higher completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnson County Community College worth the cost?
Johnson County Community College offers solid value for students who complete high-paying programs like ground transportation or dental support services, which earn $67,101 and $54,630 respectively. However, with a 29.5% graduation rate, many students don't finish their programs, making completion rates a bigger concern than the $13,912 annual cost.
What are the best paying programs at Johnson County Community College?
Ground transportation leads at $67,101 annually, followed by dental support services at $54,630 and nursing at $51,607. These three programs significantly outperform the overall school average of $45,387 and justify the investment.
How much debt do Johnson County Community College students typically have?
The median debt is $8,750, which is manageable for a community college. Students in top-paying programs can reasonably expect to pay off this amount within a few years of graduation.
What is the graduation rate at Johnson County Community College?
Only 29.5% of students graduate, which is the biggest risk factor for ROI at this school. Students who don't complete their programs miss out on the earnings boost and may still carry debt from their time enrolled.