About Labette Community College
The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,206 after aid, while even those from higher-income families rarely pay more than $11,000. Graduates typically leave with $10,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $111. Within a year of graduation, median earnings reach $44,109, making the investment pay off quickly. The 96.6% employment rate shows that local employers value what Cardinals learn.
Women make up 70.5% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and service programs. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that larger institutions cannot match. While the 28.7% six-year completion rate appears modest, it reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before finishing their associate degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 32.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 28.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,818
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $35,594 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,455 |
Campus Life
Kansas winters require a good coat, while summers call for plenty of sunscreen and air conditioning. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit community where professors know students by name. With 766 total students, campus feels intimate rather than overwhelming. Most students commute from the surrounding area, as 73.2% are Kansas residents. Weekends often center around athletic events, small-town activities in Parsons, or trips to nearby Joplin, Missouri for shopping and dining. The rural setting appeals to students who prefer knowing their classmates over navigating crowded lecture halls.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1923
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–42°F
- July Avg
- 68°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 8.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 29.5%
- Women
- 70.5%
- White
- 71.5%
- Black
- 6.9%
- Hispanic
- 11.1%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 73.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.9%
Location
- Address
- Parsons, Kansas 67357-4201
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,818
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,880
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 49.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $111/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Labette Community College?
Labette Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college serves 766 students in the small town of Parsons, Kansas, making it an accessible option for local residents and those seeking a close-knit educational environment. With 73.21% of students coming from Kansas, the college primarily serves its regional community.
How much does Labette Community College cost after financial aid?
Students at Labette Community College pay an average net price of $7,795 annually, with costs varying by family income. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay around $7,206, while higher-income families pay up to $10,994. The college keeps education affordable with in-state tuition at just $3,968 and modest monthly loan payments averaging $111.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Labette Community College?
Labette Community College maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonably personal attention in classroom settings. The college has built a reputation for hands-on learning and practical career preparation since its founding in 1923. With 70.50% female enrollment, the student body reflects the college's strength in healthcare and human services programs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Labette Community College?
Graduates achieve a strong 96.6% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce. However, the 28.70% six-year completion rate reflects challenges common to community colleges serving working adults and part-time students. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median salary of $37,818, reflecting the practical, career-focused nature of the programs.
Where is Labette Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Parsons, a small Kansas town with a remote setting that creates a tight-knit campus community. With only 114 total athletes competing in 6 varsity sports as Cardinals in the NCCAA, athletics play a smaller but meaningful role in campus life. The rural location offers students a focused academic environment away from big-city distractions.
Does Labette Community College offer significant financial aid to students?
Only 21.89% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a student body with higher family incomes than typical community colleges. The college awards institutional grants averaging $4,071 to 17.23% of students, while maintaining a low 10.04% federal loan rate. This financial profile suggests many students can afford the low tuition costs without extensive borrowing.
