At $8,165/yr net price, Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City graduates earn $40,796/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,796/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,165 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,796/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,796/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 29.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,073 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,326/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,397/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,381/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,470/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,703/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 | $52,833 | $16,573 |
| Computer Engineering. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $51,482 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,919 | $15,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,468 | $11,611 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $43,426 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $38,337 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $36,134 | $10,474 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $35,954 | |
| Fire Protection. | Certificate | $35,060 | $5,343 |
The Risk Factor
29.1% of students at Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City 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
Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City offers solid financial returns for career-focused students, but your success depends entirely on choosing the right program. The nursing program delivers the strongest ROI with graduates earning $52,833 annually against $16,573 in debt. Computer engineering and programming also pay off well, with graduates earning over $50,000 with minimal debt burdens.
Your financial risk centers on program selection and completion. The 29% graduation rate means most students leave without credentials, making debt without a degree a real concern. Liberal arts and general studies programs show weaker earning potential compared to the healthcare and technology tracks that drive this school's value proposition.
The low net price of $8,165 annually makes this school financially accessible for Kansas City area students seeking practical career training. Healthcare programs offer the best combination of job market demand and earning power in the region, where major medical centers create steady employment opportunities.
This school works best for you if you want direct career preparation in nursing, healthcare support, or technology fields without accumulating heavy debt. Students seeking four-year transfer preparation may find better academic support elsewhere. The modest financial aid participation rate suggests many students pay out of pocket, making the low sticker price important for affordability.
Your biggest financial mistake would be enrolling without a clear career goal or choosing a program outside the high-earning healthcare and technology clusters. The combination of low completion rates and program-dependent outcomes makes focused career planning essential for positive returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City worth the money?
With a net price of $8,165 per year and median earnings of $40,796 after 10 years, the financial return is modest but the low cost keeps debt manageable. The 29% graduation rate is concerning and means many students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City have the best ROI?
Nursing programs offer the strongest returns with graduates earning around $52,833 annually. Computer-related programs also perform well, with earnings between $51,000-$52,000, making them good options for the investment.
How much debt do Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City graduates have?
The median debt is $10,073, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load helps offset the lower earning potential compared to four-year degrees.
Does Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City have good job placement rates?
The school's 29% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. While specific job placement data isn't provided, the healthcare and technology programs that do graduate students tend to find steady employment in growing fields.