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 gives you a low-risk financial bet. You borrow a median of $6,500 and pay $8,244 a year, and ten years out the median graduate earns close to $52,000. Debt that small against that income is a rare margin for a two-year school, and it means a bad outcome here won't bury you.
Two associate programs carry the return. Nursing pays about $52,941 and Electrical and Power Transmission Installers about $49,683. Both feed steady rural Kansas demand for healthcare workers and grid technicians, so the earnings aren't a fluke of one hot year. Note that nursing costs you more to finish, with median debt around $11,000, well above the school-wide $6,500 figure. You still come out ahead, but you take on more to get there.
The clearest risk is finishing. Forty-three percent of students graduate, so more than half leave without a credential. Debt with no degree is the worst outcome at any school, and here it's the main way your bet goes wrong. The payoff numbers apply to people who complete, not to people who enroll.
Net price is oddly shaped by income. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $6,000. But the $48,000-$75,000 tier pays $9,131, more than the $75,000-$110,000 tier at $8,080. Middle-income families see no discount for their spot in the middle, so budget for close to full sticker if you land in that band.
This school fits you if you want nursing or a power-transmission trade and plan to finish on time. If you want a career the two listed programs don't cover, the data here can't tell you the return, and you should look at a school that publishes outcomes for your field.
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.