About Mid-Plains Community College
The financial picture tells a story of affordability. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,448 after aid, while those from middle-income families ($30-48K) pay even less at $3,578. Graduates earn a median of $40,059 ten years out, carrying typical debt loads of $9,995. With monthly loan payments averaging just $106, this represents one of the more manageable debt-to-income ratios you'll find in higher education.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means personal attention in classrooms and labs. Athletics play a meaningful role on campus, with 199 student-athletes competing across 8 NJCAA sports supported by $647,782 in scholarships. The college maintains strong job placement rates, with 92.9% of graduates finding employment. For students seeking practical skills and direct pathways to careers in rural Nebraska's economy, Mid-Plains delivers focused training without the financial burden of a four-year degree.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 24.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,059
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,482 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $29,322 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $26,933 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,194 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,315 |
Campus Life
Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, making a heavy coat essential from November through March. The campus buzzes with agricultural and nursing students who often study together in small groups. With 199 athletes competing in 8 NJCAA sports, games draw solid crowds from the tight-knit community. Weekends often revolve around rodeo events, livestock judging competitions, and trips to Lake Maloney for fishing and boating. The 78% in-state student body creates a distinctly Nebraskan atmosphere where students bond over shared rural backgrounds. Many work part-time at local ranches or businesses, contributing to the 92.9% employment rate among graduates.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 357 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 11°–38°F
- July Avg
- 60°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 41.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- -719.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.6%
- Women
- 58.4%
- White
- 73.2%
- Black
- 3.0%
- Hispanic
- 10.7%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 78.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.7%
Location
- Address
- North Platte, Nebraska 69101
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $40,059
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,885
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $106/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,995
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission to Mid-Plains Community College?
Mid-Plains Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. With 923 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in rural Nebraska. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention for students transitioning into college-level coursework.
What does Mid-Plains Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,602 annually after aid, making it one of Nebraska's most affordable higher education options. In-state tuition runs just $3,600, while students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $4,448 net. Graduate debt remains manageable at a median of $9,995 with monthly payments around $106.
What academic programs is Mid-Plains Community College known for?
The college specializes in agriculture, nursing, and skilled trades programs that align with rural Nebraska's economy. Students benefit from the 9:1 student-faculty ratio across these hands-on programs. The school's focus on practical career preparation helps explain why 92.9% of graduates find employment after completing their programs.
How successful are Mid-Plains Community College graduates in finding work?
An impressive 92.9% of graduates secure employment, reflecting the college's strong connections to regional employers. Alumni earn a median of $40,059 ten years after enrollment, solid wages for rural Nebraska. The loan repayment rate of 54.19% shows graduates can manage their debt while building careers in agriculture and skilled trades.
What is campus life like at Mid-Plains Community College?
The rural North Platte campus houses 357 students in on-campus facilities, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. With 199 student-athletes competing in 8 NJCAA sports, athletics play a central role in campus culture. The college awards $647,782 in athletic scholarships, making sports a viable path for many rural students to access higher education.
Does Mid-Plains Community College serve students from across Nebraska?
While 78.10% of students come from Nebraska, the college attracts learners from neighboring states seeking affordable agricultural and technical training. Out-of-state tuition remains reasonable at $4,530, just $930 more than in-state rates. The rural-fringe setting in North Platte provides an authentic agricultural environment for students studying farming and ranching programs.
