At $8,244/yr net price, Pratt Community College graduates earn $51,892/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,892/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,244 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,976 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,892/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,892/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,812/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,015/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,131/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,080/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,814/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 | $52,941 | $11,000 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $49,683 |
The Risk Factor
43.0% of students at Pratt Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Pratt Community College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year institution, with graduates earning above-average wages in Kansas's rural job market. Your low net price of $8,244 annually and minimal debt load of $6,500 create a favorable cost structure that most students can manage without financial strain.
The nursing program stands out as your best investment, producing graduates who earn $52,941 annually despite carrying $11,000 in debt. This program connects directly to Kansas's healthcare job market where registered nurses remain in high demand. The electrical and power transmission program also pays well at $49,683, reflecting strong demand for skilled trades in the region's energy sector.
Your main financial risk lies in the 43% graduation rate, meaning you face better than even odds of not completing your program. This matters more at a community college where you need that credential to access higher-paying technical jobs. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests either limited need-based assistance or that most students can afford the modest costs without significant support.
Pratt works best financially if you're targeting specific career training in nursing or electrical work, live locally to minimize housing costs, or need affordable general education credits before transferring. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive financial aid, want a four-year degree directly, or lack clear career direction since the low completion rate makes unfocused enrollment risky.
Your location in rural Kansas keeps living costs reasonable but limits job opportunities after graduation, making program choice critical for maximizing your investment return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pratt Community College worth the cost?
At $8,244 per year with median earnings of $51,892 after 10 years, Pratt Community College offers solid value for its low cost. The nursing and electrical programs deliver strong earning potential that justifies the investment.
What are the best paying programs at Pratt Community College?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $52,941 annually, while electrical and power transmission installer programs lead to $49,683 salaries. These technical programs offer the strongest return on investment at the school.
How much debt do Pratt Community College students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $6,500, which is manageable given the low tuition costs. Most students can pay this off relatively quickly with the earning potential from technical programs.
What is the graduation rate at Pratt Community College and does it affect ROI?
The 43% graduation rate is concerning and means many students leave without completing their programs. This significantly impacts the school's overall value since non-graduates miss out on the career benefits.