At $7,795/yr net price, Labette Community College graduates earn $37,818/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,818/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,795 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,180 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,818/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,818/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,206/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,226/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,340/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,624/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,994/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 | $52,107 | $14,406 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $35,594 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,455 | $9,665 |
The Risk Factor
28.7% of students at Labette 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
Labette Community College delivers strong returns for healthcare-focused students but offers limited financial upside for most other programs. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $52,107 annually, making the $14,406 median debt manageable with a payback period under four years.
Your major choice determines everything at Labette. Nursing graduates earn nearly triple what liberal arts students make, yet both programs cost roughly the same to complete. Allied health programs offer a middle ground at $35,594 in median earnings, though specific debt figures for these programs aren't available.
The 28.7% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Nearly three in four students leave without completing their program, often still carrying debt. Liberal arts students face particularly poor prospects, with $19,455 median earnings that barely justify even the relatively low debt load.
Labette makes financial sense if you're committed to nursing or allied health careers and can realistically complete the program. The rural Kansas location means lower living costs, helping stretch your budget. However, if you're undecided about your major or considering liberal arts, you'll likely find better ROI at other institutions or by entering the workforce directly.
The low percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests limited institutional support beyond federal programs. Merit scholarships appear scarce, so plan to cover most costs through federal aid, work, or family support. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly and avoiding the completion trap that catches most Labette students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Labette Community College worth the cost?
Labette Community College offers good value at $7,795 per year if you complete a nursing program, which leads to median earnings of $52,107. However, the 28.7% graduation rate means most students don't finish, and liberal arts graduates earn just $19,455 annually.
What programs at Labette Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Labette Community College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $52,107 compared to the $10,500 median debt load. Allied health programs also pay well at $35,594, while liberal arts graduates earn only $19,455.
How much debt do Labette Community College students graduate with?
Labette Community College graduates carry a median debt of $10,500, which is manageable for nursing and allied health graduates but creates financial strain for liberal arts students earning under $20,000 annually.
What is the graduation rate at Labette Community College?
Only 28.7% of students graduate from Labette Community College. This low completion rate means many students leave with debt but no degree, making program selection and academic support critical for success.