LIBERAL, Kan. — Seward County Community College showed impressive results in the latest report tracking graduate earnings for community colleges and technical schools. Kansas Training Information Program — KTIP — tracks the wage placement of graduates from two-year and technical colleges.

“It’s the ultimate scorecard for how we’re serving our students,” said SCCC President Brad Bennett. “It gives us a clear picture of the real-world success our graduates are achieving.”

On average, SCCC graduates from career and technical education (CTE) pathways earn nearly $45,000 in their first year after graduation—almost $10,000 more than the average earnings of Kansans ages 18–20 with only a high school diploma. These results highlight the strong return on investment for students who choose SCCC.

The report also shows that SCCC graduates consistently outperform their peers. In their first year after college, Saints graduates earn 25 percent more — approximately $7,000 — than graduates of peer institutions across the state.

“Across the board, our students are excelling,” Bennett said. “We’re proud to see them leading the way.”

SCCC also stands out among both community colleges and technical institutions across Kansas, reinforcing its role as a leader in workforce training and student success.

“When it comes to technical education, community colleges play a critical role in preparing students to enter the workforce,” Bennett said. “At SCCC, we’re proud to be part of that effort and to see our students thrive.”

Originally founded as a two-year liberal arts institution, SCCC has grown into a comprehensive college that supports a wide range of student goals. In addition to transfer pathways, the college offers robust career and technical education programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment. Since incorporating the former Southwest Kansas Area Technical School in 2008, CTE programs have expanded significantly and now represent about half of the college’s total enrollment. SCCC remains committed to offering programs that meet the needs of its community, even when those programs require additional institutional investment. 

“We offer these programs because they matter,” Bennett said. “Our communities depend on skilled professionals—from nurses to HVAC technicians—and we’re here to help meet those needs.”

The college’s CTE offerings span a wide range of fields, including allied health, cosmetology, business and technology, and skilled trades in transportation, energy, and manufacturing. While some institutions may report higher average earnings due to a narrower program focus, SCCC’s diverse offerings reflect its mission to serve a broad range of student interests and community needs.

“At the end of the day, what matters most is that our graduates are succeeding,” Bennett said. “Seeing them outperform their peers and build strong futures is something we’re incredibly proud of.”