Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians at Butler Community College

Butler Community College's industrial production certificate comes with estimated debt around $10,000—manageable but notably higher than what other Kansas programs in this field typically report. The state median sits at just under $7,000, suggesting this program may require more borrowing than local alternatives, though the difference isn't dramatic.

The earnings picture requires careful interpretation. Based on national peer programs, graduates might expect around $44,000 in their first year—a figure that would make the debt load reasonable with a 0.24 ratio. However, Kansas programs in this field tell a different story. Wichita State's comparable program shows actual reported earnings of just $25,000, and that's the state median. This substantial gap between national patterns and Kansas reality matters significantly when you're considering local employment prospects.

For parents weighing this investment, the uncertainty cuts both ways. If Butler's graduates perform closer to the national pattern, you're looking at solid technical training that pays off quickly. But if outcomes track closer to other Kansas programs—which seems more likely given the local labor market—that $10,000 in debt becomes harder to justify against $25,000 earnings. Before committing, investigate whether Butler has specific employer partnerships or placement advantages that might explain why their program would outperform the state norm by 75%.