Seward County Community College: $3,744 Tuition

$3,744Tuition

1,140Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,445Earnings

#12 in KansasPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Seward County Community College

The Saints compete at the NJCAA level with 164 total athletes across 9 varsity sports. Seward County Community College serves 1,140 students in the remote town of Liberal, Kansas, building its reputation on strong athletics and hands-on technical training. The school draws students who want practical career preparation in rural western Kansas.

Students pay an average net price of $6,742 after financial aid, making this an affordable option for career training. Graduates earn a median of $41,445 ten years after enrollment, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $6,500. The monthly loan payment averages just $69, and 95.2% of graduates find employment. For students seeking immediate workforce entry, the financial math works well.

The student body reflects the region's demographics, with 54.39% Hispanic students and women comprising 63.07% of enrollment. Most students come from Kansas, with 81.94% paying in-state tuition rates. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention in technical programs. Only 20.20% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working families rather than low-income backgrounds. Campus housing accommodates 240 students who want the full college experience in this agricultural community.

Academics & Faculty

Seward County specializes in career-focused technical training that prepares students for immediate employment in rural Kansas industries. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in hands-on programs. Agriculture, nursing, and automotive technology stand out as flagship offerings that align with regional workforce needs. Students benefit from small class sizes that make instructors accessible for extra help. The 46.4% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer after completing core requirements or certificate programs rather than finishing full associate degrees. Technical programs emphasize practical skills over theory. The college serves as a pipeline for local employers seeking trained workers in healthcare, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 50.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,445

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$52,107

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

Liberal sits in the heart of Kansas wheat country, 100 miles from any major city. The campus houses 240 students, meaning about 21% of the 1,140 enrollment lives on campus in residence halls. Winters require heavy coats as temperatures drop well below freezing, while summers bring intense heat that sends students indoors during midday hours.

The Saints compete in nine NJCAA sports with 164 total athletes, making athletics a major part of campus culture. With 63% of students being women, the campus has a female-majority population. Hispanic students comprise 54% of enrollment, creating a strong Latino community presence. Weekend activities center around home games, intramural sports, and trips to nearby Dodge City for shopping and dining. The small-town setting means students form tight-knit groups quickly. Many work part-time jobs in Liberal's agriculture-based economy while completing their degrees. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally, creating a supportive environment despite the remote location.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 240 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Burglary	1	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0
Stalking	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–47°F
July Avg: 65°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 20.3"
Annual Snowfall: 19.1"

Student Demographics

Students come from across Kansas and the broader region, with 82% staying in-state for affordable career preparation. The student body is majority Hispanic at 54%, reflecting the demographics of southwest Kansas agricultural communities. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, drawn to the college's strong nursing, education, and business programs. Many students work while attending classes, balancing farm schedules or part-time jobs with coursework. The Saints attract serious student-athletes who see community college sports as a pathway to four-year scholarships.

Men: 36.9%
Women: 63.1%
White: 23.7%
Black: 3.4%
Hispanic: 54.4%
Asian: 1.9%
In-State Students: 81.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.2%

Location

Liberal sits in the southwestern corner of Kansas, roughly 200 miles from Wichita and 300 miles from Kansas City. The town serves as the commercial center for this agricultural region, surrounded by wheat fields and cattle ranches that define rural Kansas. Liberal's remote setting means students experience true small-town life, where the college serves as a central community fixture. The area's economy revolves around agriculture and energy production, with vast open spaces stretching in every direction. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers can reach the 90s. Students considering colleges in Kansas may also compare Seward County Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Liberal, Kansas 67901

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,445
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,163
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $69/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Seward County Community College?

As a community college, Seward County has an open enrollment policy that admits all students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 1,140 students in rural Kansas and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the local community.

How much does Seward County Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,742 per year after financial aid. With total attendance costs at $11,204 and median debt of just $6,500, the college keeps education affordable with monthly loan payments averaging only $69.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Seward County Community College?

The college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in its career-focused programs. Students can choose from technical training programs that prepare them for immediate employment in rural Kansas industries.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Seward County Community College?

Graduates achieve a 95.2% employment rate, with median earnings of $37,058 in their first year after completion. The college's strong focus on technical training and career preparation helps students secure employment in high-demand fields.

Where do most students at Seward County Community College come from?

About 82% of the 1,140 students come from Kansas, with the student body being 54% Hispanic and reflecting the demographics of southwestern Kansas. The college's location in Liberal serves students from across the rural region.

Does Seward County Community College have strong athletics programs?

The Saints compete in 9 NJCAA sports with 164 total athletes and distribute $556,465 in athletic scholarships. The college is known throughout Kansas for its competitive athletics programs that attract student-athletes to this small rural campus.