Best Community Colleges in Kansas of 2024

Based in Liberal, KS, Seward County Community College offers 45 associate degrees, and the school’s programs of study range from accounting and agriculture to education and English. Its open admission policy means that it maintains a 100% acceptance rate, making it an accessible option for most students. The school offers several online degrees through its Saints Anywhere platform, including Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate in General Studies. Seward County Community College stands out as an excellent choice for entrepreneurs and small business owners as the school partners with program-specific industry advisory boards and the Seward County Development Corporation to help individuals start and grow their small businesses.

Dodge City Community College offers a great selection of on-campus activities and amenities, including a high-quality wellness center, fourteen student clubs, and several athletics programs. Students can choose from about 30 degree programs and certificates covering allied health, biology, chemistry, art, and music. They also offer a variety of tech programs, including HVAC, diesel technology, building construction technology, welding, and cosmetology. Dodge City Community College offers on-campus, hybrid, and online courses, making it a great option for working professionals and others that depend on flexible scheduling options. The school maintains transfer agreements with multiple universities in the state, allowing students to easily transfer into a bachelor's program after completing two years at Dodge City.

Coffeyville Community College is an exceptional community college for students in Kansas. The main campus offers a wide range of popular majors, including biology, art, agriculture, chemistry, athletic training, and history. Uniquely, Coffeyville also has a separate technical campus that offers programs like automotive service, allied health, welding technology, and nursing. Tuition is extremely affordable for residents at only $39 per credit hour, and non-residents pay a competitive $88 per credit hour. The school has an open-door admission policy, making it an accessible option for any graduate from an accredited high school. High school students who have completed 15 units and have permission from their principals can also attend Coffeyville part-time to begin working on their degrees. Coffeyville also offers a great selection of online classes, making it a great option for distance learners and working professionals.

Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS, offers 100 degrees and certificates in 45 areas of study, giving students the opportunity to pursue their individual interests. JCCC is a great option for students who want to take advantage of tutoring services, as the school’s five resource centers offer free tutoring to all students. With an average class size of 21, students are able to receive personalized attention to help them succeed. JCCC’s programs include horticulture sciences, sustainable agriculture, theatre, graphic design, and accounting. The school also offers continuing education courses for working professionals. These courses help individuals develop in-demand skills like project management, digital marketing, and communication.

Hutchinson Community College is one of the larger community colleges in Kansas, serving about 5,500 students each semester. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 18-to-one, Hutchinson can provide personalized attention to each student. The school is the best option for high school students that want to begin working on their degrees early. High school students can work with their high school counselors for enrollment. If they start attending Hutchinson full-time after graduating high school, they may be eligible to receive tuition reimbursement. Students can choose from several areas of study, including agriculture, education, fine arts, business, and nursing. Hutchinson Community College maintains a 100% admission rate. Applicants must submit proof of high school graduation or GED completion, and first-time students may need to complete placement testing before beginning their studies.

With its main campus in Concordia, a secondary campus in Junction City, and nearly 30 other outreach locations, Cloud County Community College serves 12 counties in North Central Kansas. The school offers several certificates and four degrees, including Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science, and Associate in General Studies degrees. Academic programs range from communications and science to renewable energy and education. Cloud County Community College stands out by emphasizing hands-on learning. Hands-on learning opportunities are available through the school’s wind farm, animal unit, solar farm, and on-site laboratory. The college accepts all applicants that can submit proof of high school graduation or GED completion, and students planning to pursue a four-year degree can work with the school to develop a transfer program.

Garden City Community College is the oldest community college in Kansas that is still in operation. GCCC excels in offering high-quality technical education programs, including production agriculture, animal science, food science, emergency medical services, and welding. These technical education programs are designed to give students the tools and skills they need to enter the workforce quickly. Garden City Community College also offers two-year associate’s degrees in art, chemistry, and cybersecurity, and the transfer program makes it easy for students to pursue a degree at a four-year university. Professionals can advance their careers by taking non-credit courses and receiving specialized training.

Colby Community College has the highest graduation rate of any of the schools on our list, indicating its success in providing high-quality education and student support services. Colby Community College's 80-acre campus is home to three student residence halls, a state-of-the-art agricultural center, and several athletics programs, including softball, baseball, and wrestling. Students can choose from a variety of degrees and certificate programs in subjects like English, engineering, chemistry, physics, and criminal justice. It is also one of the few schools in the country to offer a veterinary nursing program both on-campus and online. Applicants need to submit proof of high school graduation to begin their studies, though some programs may require a separate admission process due to limited capacity.

Kansas City Kansas Community College offers associate’s degrees and certificate programs that cover a wide range of subjects and disciplines. Students can choose from programs like accounting, audio engineering, cosmetology, culinary arts, economics, and marketing. KCKCC stands out by offering a great selection of helpful academic resources and student support services like tutoring, an on-campus writing center, library services, accessibility services, tech support, career support, and counseling. Adults looking to return to school can enroll in adult basic education classes, GED preparation courses, and the school’s adult ESL program. KCKCC maintains a 100% admission rate, and students can get started by applying, taking a placement evaluation, and speaking to a success advisor to plan their education.