Hesston College
Hesston College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Hesston College at a Glance
Hesston College is a private college in Hesston, Kansas, United States. It is associated with the Mennonite Church USA and has an enrollment of about 400 students who typically come from about 30 states and 15 other countries.
1909
117 years old
$12M
$11.9 million (2016)
442
51
40 acres
Identity
Is Hesston College Worth It?
At a value score of 27/100, Hesston College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,495 — 12% below average — while paying $26,299/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 59% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Hesston College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Hesston College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in KS
Ranked #38 of 110 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Humphreys University | 100 | $5,524 | $39,248 |
| #2 | Kehilath Yakov Rabbinical Seminary | 100 | $3,822 | $36,442 |
| #3 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #4 | Sacred Heart Major Seminary | 69 | $11,916 | $49,295 |
| #5 | Brescia University | 67 | $8,709 | $45,500 |
| #6 | Soka University of America | 67 | $18,260 | $55,017 |
| #38 | Hesston College | 27 | $26,299 | $47,495 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Hesston College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in KS.
Best Programs at Hesston College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Hesston College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,299/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in KS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Hesston, KS
- Student Body
- 372 students
- Graduation Rate
- 59%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,299
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,495
- Median Student Debt
- $12,000