Kansas Community Colleges Celebrate Impactful Contribution to the Kansas Economy

Kansas community colleges invite citizens to join them in celebrating National Community College Month this April. With community colleges spread across the state, these institutions drive economic growth, provide the workforce critical to the state's economy, and foster educational opportunities that provide for prosperous economic futures for students.

An economic study released in November 2023 by Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm, found that between 2021 – 2022 Kansas’ community colleges added $6.7 billion in income to the state economy, or approximately 3.3% of Kansas’ gross state product (GSP).

The affordability of community colleges is a major financial advantage to students. Kansas’ robust network of community colleges served more than 90,000 students in 2023.

"Kansas community colleges are undoubtedly the best value in higher education—whether a student is seeking a pathway to a four-year degree or wants to receive the education needed to go directly into a skilled trade, Kansas community colleges are ready to serve students of all ages at an affordable price," said Heather Morgan, executive director of the Kansas Association of Community Colleges.  

National Community College Month serves as an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the transformative power of community colleges, which continue to bridge the gap between the unskilled and a trained workforce. Career-focused programs, flexible schedules, and lower tuition have afforded thousands of Kansans the opportunity to achieve their educational and professional aspirations.

Butler Community College will celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2027. The nursing program, established in 1963, continues to serve the community and region. Highly respected among the healthcare industry, Butler’s Nursing graduates are well-prepared for the increasingly complex challenges in the industry. Today, students can earn their four-year nursing degree from the University of Kansas without ever leaving Butler’s campus. In technical education, Butler continues efforts through valuable industry and workforce partnerships to bolster programs in cybersecurity, construction, welding, diesel and automotive technology.

“We have so many opportunities and services that benefit our students, said Butler Community College President, Dr. Kimberly Krull. “We have short-term, fast-track certificate programs, one and two-year associate degree pathways, and numerous transfer agreements with both private and public universities. With the Kansas Board of Regents’ new systemwide general education alignment, students should have an even easier time transferring the general education credits they earned at a lower cost through Butler.

“Being able to celebrate the outstanding and innovative work of community colleges is wonderful. We are the nation’s most affordable choice for higher education, and for so many students and families, we truly have been Game Changers. We are immensely grateful to the people of Butler County, as well as our workforce partners, students and alums, for their ongoing support of the work we do,” said Krull.

Facts About Kansas Community Colleges:

• Remain the most affordable option to access higher education.
• Serve and support citizens from all walks of life.
• Work to ensure seamless transfer of credits to four-year universities in Kansas.
• Provide personalized attention to students with faculty focused on student success.
• Partner with business and industry for innovative workforce training.