University of Kansas vs Johnson County Community College: which has better ROI?
University of Kansas has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $72,236 in 5.3 years versus not at all at Johnson County Community College, on median earnings of $61,945 vs $45,387 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Kansas | Johnson County Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,059 | $14,176 |
| Total net cost | $72,236 | $28,352 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,945 | $45,387 |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $8,750 |
| Payback | 5.3 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $199,464 | -$87,812 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Kansas or Johnson County Community College?
Johnson County Community College, at $14,176 a year after aid versus $18,059 — a gap of $3,883 a year, or $43,884 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Kansas or Johnson County Community College graduates earn more?
University of Kansas graduates report a median $61,945 ten years after entry, $16,558 more than the $45,387 at Johnson County Community College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Kansas or Johnson County Community College?
Johnson County Community College: its completers carry a median $8,750 in federal loans versus $21,000 at University of Kansas, a difference of $12,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
69% of students finish at University of Kansas, against 31% at Johnson County Community College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.