At $17,460/yr net price, North Central Kansas Technical College graduates earn $46,928/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,928/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,460 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,840 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,928/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,928/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,056/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,166/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,335/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,007/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,019/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 | $46,478 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $39,009 | |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $37,928 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $37,568 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $36,221 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $35,635 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $34,704 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $32,711 | |
| Carpenters. | Certificate | $30,949 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $24,421 |
The Risk Factor
75.5% of students at North Central Kansas Technical College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
North Central Kansas Technical College gives you a solid financial return with low risk. The median debt is $10,000, and graduates earn about $46,928 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio is one of the safer bets in higher education, and the 75.5% graduation rate means you're likely to actually finish and start earning.
The programs here point you at specific Kansas jobs. Registered nursing pays the most of any associate program listed and feeds directly into rural hospital demand across north central Kansas. Electrical and power transmission installation and agricultural mechanization both fit the region's farm and utility economy, though they pay several thousand less than nursing. The precision metal working and ground transportation options are certificates, not degrees, so treat those earnings as certificate outcomes, not the payoff of a full associate program.
The main risk is that these are hands-on, place-based fields. The earnings assume you stay in a rural labor market where welding, line work, and ag equipment jobs exist. If you plan to leave for a big metro, the wage picture may not hold, and nursing is the most portable of the group.
This school fits you if you want a short, cheap path into a skilled trade or nursing and plan to work in Kansas or a similar rural area. Look elsewhere if you want a bachelor's degree or a career that requires relocating to a major city.
On net price, the tiers run backwards from what you'd expect: families earning under $48k pay around $15,000 a year, while families over $110k pay about $21,000. The lowest earners get the best price here, so if your family income is under $48k, the sticker cost drops meaningfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Central Kansas Technical College worth the money?
North Central Kansas Technical College offers decent value with low debt levels ($10,000 median) and a 76% graduation rate. The nursing program leads to earnings of $46,478 annually, while other technical programs range from $36,000-$39,000.
What are the highest paying programs at North Central Kansas Technical College?
Nursing programs at North Central Kansas Technical College pay best at $46,478 annually, followed by electrical and power transmission work at $39,009. Agricultural and metalworking programs typically start around $37,000-$38,000.
How much debt do North Central Kansas Technical College graduates have?
North Central Kansas Technical College graduates carry a median debt of $10,000, which is low compared to most colleges. With annual net costs of $17,460, students can minimize borrowing through financial aid and shorter program lengths.
Do North Central Kansas Technical College graduates find jobs after graduation?
North Central Kansas Technical College has a 76% graduation rate, and graduates earn an average of $46,928 ten years after enrollment. The technical focus means graduates enter fields with steady demand, particularly in healthcare and skilled trades.