At $15,255/yr net price, Kansas City Kansas Community College graduates earn $40,795/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,795/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,255 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,020 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,795/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,795/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,793 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,918/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,040/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,170/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,951/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 | $52,524 | $11,400 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,060 | $9,549 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $45,696 | $9,125 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $44,384 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,565 | $11,000 |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Associate | $35,701 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $32,563 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $30,228 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $30,119 |
The Risk Factor
37.9% of students at Kansas City Kansas 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
Kansas City Kansas Community College delivers solid returns for healthcare and trade program graduates, but your financial outcome depends heavily on choosing the right major. The school's $15,255 annual cost combined with relatively low debt loads makes it accessible, though the 38% graduation rate means many students leave without completing their programs.
Nursing programs offer the strongest financial returns. Registered nursing graduates earn $52,524 annually with $11,400 in debt, creating excellent earning potential relative to investment. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $50,060 in earnings. These healthcare tracks benefit from Kansas City's strong medical sector, including major employers like The University of Kansas Hospital.
Electrical and power transmission programs stand out with $44,384 earnings and no reported debt data, likely reflecting strong demand in the region's industrial base. However, avoid programs outside these core areas, as earnings data suggests weaker returns in other fields.
Your biggest financial risk is the low completion rate. With only 38% of students graduating, you need strong motivation and academic preparation to finish your program. The school works best for students with clear career goals in nursing, allied health, or skilled trades who can commit to completing their programs.
Financial aid reaches just 31% of students, suggesting many pay out of pocket or through employer sponsorship. The relatively low median debt of $8,793 indicates the school keeps costs manageable for those who do borrow. Community college transfer students planning to continue at four-year schools should verify credit transfer agreements to avoid wasting money on courses that won't count toward their bachelor's degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas City Kansas Community College worth the cost?
Kansas City Kansas Community College offers solid value for specific programs, with nursing graduates earning $52,524 annually and relatively low debt at $8,793. However, the overall 10-year earnings of $40,795 and 38% graduation rate suggest mixed outcomes depending on your chosen field.
What programs at Kansas City Kansas Community College have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing and allied health programs at Kansas City Kansas Community College provide the strongest returns, with nursing graduates earning over $50,000 annually. Electrical and power transmission programs also show decent earning potential at $44,384.
How much debt do Kansas City Kansas Community College graduates typically have?
Kansas City Kansas Community College graduates carry a median debt of $8,793, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. This lower debt load helps improve the return on investment for successful graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Kansas City Kansas Community College?
Kansas City Kansas Community College has a 38% graduation rate, meaning roughly 6 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This completion challenge affects the school's overall value proposition despite reasonable costs.