At $10,179/yr net price, Neosho County Community College graduates earn $45,966/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,966/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,179 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,716 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,966/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,966/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,801/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,767/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,480/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,065/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,404/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 | $54,760 | $9,666 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 | $8,400 |
The Risk Factor
38.9% of students at Neosho County 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
Neosho County Community College delivers mixed financial returns, with outcomes heavily dependent on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, producing graduates earning $54,760 annually with manageable debt of $9,666. This represents solid ROI in a field with strong regional demand.
Liberal arts and general studies programs present concerning numbers, with graduates earning just $18,771 ten years out. At this income level, even the relatively low debt of $8,400 becomes burdensome. Allied health programs fall somewhere between these extremes at $36,848 annually.
The school's 39% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. You face a real chance of accumulating debt without completing your credential. The low percentage of students receiving aid (20%) suggests limited financial support options beyond federal programs.
This college makes financial sense if you can secure a spot in nursing or allied health programs and have the academic preparation to complete your degree. The nursing program offers particularly strong value given Kansas healthcare job growth and the program's track record.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering general studies or lack clear career direction. The low completion rates and weak earnings for non-healthcare programs make this a risky investment for undecided students. Students planning to transfer to four-year programs might find better transfer pathway support at larger community colleges in Kansas.
Focus your application on healthcare programs where this school has demonstrated success. The relatively low net price of $10,179 helps, but only if you graduate in a field with actual earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neosho County Community College worth the cost?
Neosho County Community College can be worth it if you pursue nursing or allied health programs, which lead to median earnings of $54,760 and $36,848 respectively. However, liberal arts graduates earn just $18,771 annually, making the $10,179 yearly cost harder to justify for those programs.
What is the return on investment for Neosho County Community College graduates?
The ROI varies dramatically by program at Neosho County Community College. Nursing graduates see strong returns with $54,760 median earnings, while liberal arts graduates earn only $18,771 annually, which barely covers the cost of attendance over time.
How much debt do Neosho County Community College students graduate with?
Students at Neosho County Community College graduate with a median debt of $8,500, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load makes the school more worthwhile, especially for students in higher-paying programs like nursing.
What are the graduation rates like at Neosho County Community College?
Neosho County Community College has a 38.9% graduation rate, meaning about 6 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering whether the investment will pay off.