Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Cloud County Community College
Associate's Degree
cloud.eduAnalysis
Cloud County Community College's nursing program earns starting salaries near the Kansas median ($61,406 vs. $62,370), but ranks in just the 14th percentile nationally—meaning 86% of nursing programs nationwide produce better earnings. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually see income drop 5% by year four rather than grow. Given that Kansas's top community college nursing programs like Pratt ($70,680) and Rasmussen ($68,119) deliver $7,000-$9,000 higher starting salaries, this program struggles to compete even within the state.
The debt load of $22,268 isn't extreme for nursing, creating a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio. However, when earnings decline instead of rise, that ratio becomes less favorable over time. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers might not represent typical outcomes, but the pattern is still worth noting—most nursing careers show wage growth as nurses gain experience and credentials.
For an anxious parent, the key question is: why settle for middle-of-the-pack in Kansas when stronger options exist nearby? Unless geography truly limits your choices or your child has specific ties to Cloud County, exploring programs like Pratt or Johnson County Community College would likely yield better returns on a similar investment.
Where Cloud County Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Cloud County Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud County Community College | $61,406 | $58,089 | -5% |
| Rasmussen University-Kansas | $68,119 | $67,872 | -0% |
| Pratt Community College | $70,680 | $64,921 | -8% |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College | $63,181 | $62,528 | -1% |
| Neosho County Community College | $61,906 | $62,351 | +1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (22 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cloud County Community CollegeConcordia | $3,180 | $61,406 | $58,089 | $22,268 | 0.36 |
 Pratt Community CollegePratt | $4,064 | $70,680 | $64,921 | $15,981 | 0.23 |
 Rasmussen University-KansasTopeka | $15,340 | $68,119 | $67,872 | $30,500 | 0.45 |
 Labette Community CollegeParsons | $3,968 | $66,833 | $54,759 | $16,150 | 0.24 |
 Johnson County Community CollegeOverland Park | $2,328 | $64,303 | $60,996 | $15,914 | 0.25 |
 Butler Community CollegeEl Dorado | $3,556 | $63,244 | $55,171 | $24,750 | 0.39 |
| National Median | — | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cloud County Community College, approximately 22% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 28 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.