Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Kansas City Kansas Community College

Kansas City Kansas Community College's nursing program lands in the middle of the state's pack—60th percentile among Kansas programs—but its $63,181 starting salary trails the national median by about $5,000. That gap matters: similar programs at Pratt Community College and Rasmussen University-Kansas place graduates earning $7,000-8,000 more annually. The $22,444 in median debt sits close to both state and national averages, so the debt load itself isn't the issue. The real concern is flat earnings trajectory—graduates actually see a slight decline from year one to year four, suggesting limited room for growth within the program's typical career paths.

For Kansas families choosing between community college nursing programs, this represents a functional but unremarkable option. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means graduates can realistically manage loan payments, and starting at $63,000 provides a stable foundation. However, if your child can access programs like Pratt or Johnson County Community College (which costs similarly but produces better outcomes), those would offer stronger returns. The 31% Pell grant population suggests the school serves price-sensitive students well, making it a reasonable safety option if geography or admission constraints limit other choices. Just know you're paying for proximity and accessibility rather than standout earning potential.