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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt path where the payoff depends almost entirely on which program you pick. With median debt near $10,000 and a net price around $8,000 a year, your downside risk is small. The bigger risk is the 29% graduation rate: if you leave without finishing, you carry debt and none of the earnings bump that makes this school work.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner. It pays about $53,000 ten years out, roughly $12,000 above the school's overall median, and it feeds directly into Kansas City's large hospital systems. The two computing programs, computer engineering and computer programming, land close behind at around $51,000-$52,000 and carry lighter debt than nursing. The allied health tracks pay $44,000-$46,000, still above the school median but a step down, and medical assisting comes with $15,000 in debt for the lowest earnings of the top five. Weigh that debt-to-pay ratio before committing.
This is a good financial fit if you enroll in nursing, computing, or a health field and finish. It works well as a cheaper start toward a four-year degree if you transfer credits and don't stall out. If you enroll undecided or in a program not listed here, the earnings and completion odds get much shakier.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families: you pay about $7,300 under $48,000 in income, versus $12,700 above $110,000. Even the top tier stays modest compared to most four-year schools. For families under $48,000, this is one of the cheapest ways into a nursing or tech credential in the Kansas City area, provided you cross the finish line.
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.