Highland Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$4,495
$13,491 with room and board
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
2,190
Student-faculty ratio 13:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
38.6%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 44.2%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Highland Community College (HCC) is a renowned institution located in Highland, Kansas. Established in 1858, it is one of the oldest community colleges in the United States. HCC is recognized for its strong commitment to providing accessible and affordable education, catering to a diverse student population. The college offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees and certificates in various fields such as arts, sciences, business, and technology. With a focus on student success, HCC provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, which contribute to a positive learning environment.
The college prides itself on fostering a vibrant campus culture that encourages student engagement and personal growth. HCC organizes numerous extracurricular activities, clubs, and events that promote community involvement and leadership development. The college also places a strong emphasis on athletics, with several sports teams competing at the collegiate level. This commitment to a well-rounded education ensures that students not only excel academically but also develop vital life skills. Highland Community College continues to be a vital educational resource for the region, empowering students to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Highland Community College
Highland Community College presents a compelling case study through its evolving metrics over the years, particularly in tuition rates, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates.
Firstly, the trend in tuition fees reveals a significant increase from $3,000 in 2014 to $4,116 in 2024 for in-state undergraduate students. This represents a 37% increase over the decade, raising concerns about the affordability of education. Such tuition hikes can deter prospective students, particularly from lower-income backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of financial aid and scholarship programs to support access to education.
Moreover, student enrollment has shown a concerning decline, dropping from 3,226 in 2014 to 2,339 in 2023. This 27.5% decrease in enrollment may reflect broader demographic trends and shifting perceptions of the value of community college education, especially in a post-pandemic context where many students are re-evaluating their educational paths.
In terms of graduation rates, there has been a notable improvement in the timely graduation rate, which increased from 18.3% in 2013 to 27.0% in 2023. This upward trend is promising, suggesting that the college's efforts to improve student engagement and support may be yielding positive results. Enhanced graduation rates are critical for student success and institutional reputation.
Retention rates, however, have remained relatively stable but low, hovering around 38% to 39% in recent years. This stability, combined with declining enrollment, indicates that while the college may be able to keep some students, many are still leaving the institution prematurely. This points to a need for targeted initiatives aimed at improving student satisfaction and support systems.
In summary, Highland Community College faces challenges with rising tuition and declining enrollment, despite improvements in graduation rates. Addressing these issues through effective financial aid, retention strategies, and enhanced educational offerings will be crucial for the college's future success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, distant
- Nearest major city
- Kansas City, about 60 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI), about 50 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Vince Bowhay (President)
- Phone
- 7854426000
- Address
- 606 W Main, Highland, KS 66035-4165
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Highland Community College
The graduation data from Highland Community College reveals some notable trends and characteristics regarding different fields of study. Firstly, the health-related programs stand out, particularly registered nursing, which had a significant graduation count of 29. This reflects the growing demand for healthcare professionals, especially amidst the ongoing global health challenges. The healthcare sector has been under immense scrutiny due to the pandemic, leading to an increased emphasis on nursing education and the need for skilled practitioners.
In contrast, many programs within the mechanical and agricultural fields showed no graduates, indicating either a lack of enrollment or a potential misalignment with job market demands. This could suggest that students may be gravitating towards fields with clearer employment opportunities or more robust industry growth, such as technology or healthcare.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that all bachelor’s and master’s programs reported no graduates, which raises questions about the attractiveness of these programs and the overall academic offerings of the college. With the rising costs of education and the increasing burden of student loans, potential students may be cautious about pursuing degrees that do not guarantee job placement or high earning potential.
Lastly, the data also highlights the absence of international students in most programs, particularly in bachelor’s and master's degrees. This trend could be reflective of broader immigration policies and the changing landscape of international education, which has seen a decline in enrollment in many U.S. colleges and universities. Overall, this data presents a complex picture of the current educational landscape at Highland Community College and suggests areas for potential growth and improvement.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $28,349 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder. | - | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $74,849 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Autobody/Collision and Repair Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Medium/Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture. | - |
Students
2,190 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 45:55 · Freshman retention 40.1%
- Continuing undergraduates 459
- First-year undergraduates 327
- Transfers and others 1,404
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,190)
Data insights
Demographic Insights of Highland Community College Students in 2023
The student body at Highland Community College in 2023 presents a diverse landscape across various classifications, including undergraduate freshmen, undergraduate sophomores, undergraduate transfer students, and graduate students. Notably, undergraduate freshmen comprise the largest group with 540 students, where the gender ratio indicates a slight female majority at 52.4%, contrasting with the 47.6% male representation. This trend of a higher female enrollment is also observed in the undergraduate sophomore category, which consists of 510 students and boasts a significant 59% of females.
In examining the undergraduate transfer students, there are 303 individuals, again reflecting a similar gender distribution with 54.1% being female. The overall graduate student population stands at 986, maintaining the pattern of female predominance, with 55.6% of students identifying as such.
Delving into the ethnic composition, while specific data for the undergraduate sophomores and transfer students is not fully available, the available data suggests that white students make up a substantial portion of the student population across categories. The statistics indicate a need for continued efforts towards enhancing diversity and inclusion within the college, particularly in attracting underrepresented groups.
This demographic breakdown reflects broader trends in higher education, where female enrollment consistently surpasses male enrollment, and emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment that supports a variety of backgrounds and experiences. As Highland Community College continues to evolve, it will be crucial to address these dynamics to foster a more equitable academic community.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Highland Community College in 2023
The age distribution of students at Highland Community College in 2023 reveals significant insights into the demographics of its student body. Notably, the largest segment of students is under 18 years of age, comprising approximately 43.6% of the total male students and 44.7% of the total female students. This highlights the college's role in catering to younger students who may be transitioning from high school.
As we examine the subsequent age groups, the percentage of students gradually declines. For instance, the 18-19 age group accounts for around 24.7% of male students and 24.6% of female students, indicating a slight decrease in enrollment as age increases. This trend continues through the 20-21 range and further down to the 22-24 group, where the percentages drop to 21.9% for males and 22.7% for females.
Interestingly, there is a stark contrast in the enrollment of older students, particularly those aged 30-34 and above. For males, this age group represents about 9.3% of the total, while females in the same age bracket account for around 12.3%. The numbers continue to dwindle dramatically for students aged 50 and above, suggesting that community colleges like Highland may primarily serve younger populations seeking to further their education.
This demographic information is crucial for educational institutions as they can tailor their programs and support services to meet the needs of their predominant age groups. Moreover, as the workforce evolves and lifelong learning becomes increasingly important, understanding these age dynamics will be essential for community colleges aiming to attract and retain students of all ages.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Highland Community College
The data on international student enrollment at Highland Community College reveals a consistent but generally low representation of international students within the undergraduate population over the years from 2004 to 2017. The percentage of international students peaked at just 0.11% in 2006, while most years recorded a figure below 0.1%. This indicates a marginal presence of international students in the undergraduate cohort, with only a handful of students admitted each year.
In 2004, the undergraduate total was 3,152, with only one international student enrolled, resulting in a mere 0.03% representation. This pattern of extremely low international enrollment continued throughout the reported years, with only a few years showing slight increases in numbers. For instance, in 2016 and 2017, the percentage climbed to 0.06%, which still reflects limited appeal for international students compared to larger institutions that often attract more diverse student bodies.
The absence of graduate data further emphasizes the lack of a robust international student program at Highland Community College. Typically, institutions that successfully draw international students offer comprehensive support services, cultural activities, and academic resources tailored to diverse populations.
Overall, Highland Community College appears to have significant room for growth in attracting international students. As global trends show an increasing number of students seeking education abroad, the college could benefit from strategies aimed at enhancing its visibility and appeal to potential international applicants.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$13,491
- Undergraduate tuition
- $4,495
- Room and board
- $8,996
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 34% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 48%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$24.0M
Expenses$24.7M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 102 | - |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 34 | 30 |
| Baseball | 55 | - |
| Basketball | 17 | 14 |
| Soccer | - | 19 |
| Softball | - | 14 |
| Volleyball | - | 14 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 104 | - |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 35 | 37 |
| Baseball | 55 | - |
| Basketball | 16 | 14 |
| Softball | - | 16 |
| Volleyball | - | 12 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 98 | - |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 55 | 26 |
| Baseball | 45 | - |
| Basketball | 13 | 14 |
| Softball | - | 17 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of KansasLawrence · 62.3 mi
U.S. News #148
-
University of Missouri--Kansas CityKansas City · 67.9 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Kansas State UniversityManhattan · 83.8 mi
U.S. News #156
-
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln · 100.2 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Creighton UniversityOmaha · 103.4 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of Nebraska--OmahaOmaha · 104.1 mi
U.S. News #299
-
Drake UniversityDes Moines · 147.2 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia · 169.3 mi
U.S. News #95
-
Iowa State UniversityAmes · 172.0 mi
U.S. News #116
Data insights
Here are some notable schools around Highland Community College:
-
University of Kansas - Ranked 151 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
Kansas State University - With a ranking of 170, this comprehensive university is known for its strong agricultural programs and vibrant campus life.
-
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Ranked 159, this university provides a diverse array of academic programs and is recognized for its research contributions.
-
Creighton University - This university ranks 124 and is known for its strong emphasis on health sciences and liberal arts education.
-
Grinnell College - A highly ranked liberal arts college at 11th place, it offers a rigorous academic environment with a focus on individualized education.
-
Iowa State University - Ranked 115, this comprehensive university is well-regarded for its engineering and agricultural programs.
These institutions not only provide quality education but also contribute to a vibrant academic community in the region.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Highland Community College
The crime data from Highland Community College over the years reveals notable fluctuations in the average crime rates per 1,000 students. From 2013 to 2018, the rates exhibited a concerning upward trend, peaking in 2018 with a rate of 31.41. This spike may indicate a growing issue regarding safety and security on campus, warranting further investigation into the factors contributing to this trend.
Interestingly, 2019 saw a significant decrease in crime rates, dropping to 21.16. This reduction could be attributed to improved security measures or increased awareness and prevention initiatives among the student body. However, the rates in 2020 and 2021 continued to fluctuate, with a notable dip to 5.41 in 2021, suggesting that the pandemic may have had an impact on campus activities and, consequently, crime rates.
In 2022 and 2023, the crime rates rose again, albeit remaining lower than the peak observed in 2018. The presence of violent crimes such as assault and domestic violence, alongside property crimes like theft and robbery, likely plays a significant role in these statistics. It is crucial for the college administration to focus on enhancing safety protocols and increasing community engagement to address these issues effectively.
Overall, while there have been periods of improvement, the data indicates that Highland Community College must continue to prioritize campus safety to foster a secure educational environment for its students. For more information on calculating crime rates, please visit: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
Recent News at Highland Community College
Summarized daily from the school's official news. Click "Source" for the original story.
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Highland Community College's Board of Trustees approved a $38 million project to expand the college's sports complex, not $3.8 million.
Source: wifr.com
No updates on this topic in this month.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.