Butler Community College
General Information — Butler Community College
About (Overview)
Butler Community College is a public two-year community college headquartered in El Dorado, Kansas. Founded in 1927 (as El Dorado Junior College), it has grown into one of the largest community colleges in Kansas, offering more than 100 academic programs and pathways across its campuses and online. The institution combines workforce training, transfer degree preparation, and community education. Butler emphasizes small class sizes, personalized attention, and affordable education. It also promotes that its retention rate exceeds national averages, and in the 2022–2023 year, its enrollment qualified it as an Emerging Hispanic Institution.
The college positions itself as a technical college, a community college, and a transfer pathway all at once. With a network of branch campuses and service centers, Butler brings educational access to South Central Kansas while maintaining strong ties to industry, employer partners, and regional transfer institutions. Over its history, Butler has expanded its campuses, facilities, and program offerings, sustaining a mission of inclusive, innovative, and affordable education for local communities.
Contact Information
Address: 901 S Haverhill Road, El Dorado, Kansas 67042
Phone: (316) 321-2222
Email / General Inquiries: Contact through Butler Community College central administration (e.g., admissions, info services)
School Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1927 (began as El Dorado Junior College) |
| Type | Public community college |
| President | Tamara Daniel (as of 2025) |
| Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Colors | Purple & Gold |
| Mascot / Nickname | Grizzlies |
| Athletics Affiliation | NJCAA — Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) |
| Campuses / Locations | Main campus in El Dorado plus branch and service centers (Andover, Rose Hill, Marion, Council Grove, McConnell AFB, others) |
| Student Enrollment (2023) | 6,552 |
| Retention Rate (full-time) | Approximately 66 % |
Butler Community College Rankings
| Category | Ranking / Position |
|---|---|
| National / U.S. | Not ranked in general university rankings (community college status) |
| Global | Not applicable for community colleges |
| Specialty / State | Among top community colleges in Kansas, recognized by Aspen Institute as a top U.S. community college, a leader in workforce and transfer |
Butler Community College Academics
Butler Community College Faculties / Departments
As a community college, Butler organizes its academic offerings by divisions or program areas rather than traditional faculties. The major divisions include:
- Arts & Sciences / General Education
- Health Sciences & Nursing
- Business, Technology & Applied Studies
- Workforce Training & Technical Programs
- Agriculture & Natural Resources
- Transfer & College Preparatory / Developmental Education
- Online & Distance Education
- Student Support / Academic Success & Tutoring
Butler Community College Courses and Programs / Majors
Butler offers a range of credentials including:
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of General Studies (AGS)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- Numerous certificate and professional certification programs (e.g. medical, technical, trade certificates)
- Workforce training, apprenticeships, continuing education programs
- Program specializations such as nursing, business, liberal arts, agriculture, welding, computer technology, health occupations
Online Learning
Butler offers an extensive virtual campus, allowing students to take classes online from anywhere. Many programs and courses are available fully online or in hybrid formats. The college also supports online readiness, allowing students flexibility in scheduling and remote learning. During the 2023–2024 year, 2,175 students were enrolled exclusively online, and another 2,142 took at least some online coursework. Online learning at Butler complements its in-person classes and extends access to students across the region.
Average Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.)
| Test | Score Range / Notes |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not required / not published |
| ACT | Not required / not published |
| GRE | Not applicable (no graduate programs) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Butler’s full-time student retention rate is approximately 66 %, meaning two-thirds of first-time students return the next year. The college publishes that its retention rate exceeds national averages among community colleges. Graduation (or completion) rates vary by program; Butler does not always publish campus-wide graduation rates, but many students complete associate programs or certificates within expected timeframes or with planned extensions. The flexibility in scheduling, part-time enrollment, and transfer activity complicate a uniform graduation metric.
Butler Community College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Butler Community College operates an open admissions policy: it does not require standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and it does not enforce strict GPA minimums for general admission. Admission generally requires a high school diploma or its equivalent or completion of placement assessments for readiness in reading, writing, or math where applicable.
Butler Community College Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Essentially open admission for qualified applicants |
Butler Community College Application Requirements
Prospective students must complete an application for admission, furnish proof of high school graduation or equivalent (or complete a placement test), and submit transcripts for prior college work if transferring. Some programs, particularly in health sciences or technical areas, may require additional criteria such as background checks, immunizations, drug screening, or supplementary application components. Advising and orientation sessions help new students map their course load and program pathways.
Application Process
- Submit the general application to Butler Community College
- Provide high school diploma, GED, or equivalent documentation
- Submit transcripts of any previous college work (if applicable)
- Undergo placement in writing, reading, and math (if required)
- Meet program-specific requirements (for applied/clinical or technical programs)
- Attend advising/orientation to plan courses
- Register for classes and begin term
Butler Community College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term / Item | Deadline / Date |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester Application | Varies, often early summer deadlines |
| Spring Semester Application | Varies, late autumn deadlines |
| Summer / Short Terms | Rolling or special deadlines |
| Enrollment / Registration | Typically a few weeks before semester start dates |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
Butler Community College does not routinely require an essay for general admission. If narrative input is requested, it may be for specific scholarships or special programs and would likely ask about the applicant’s goals, motivation, prior experiences, and how Butler’s programs align with their career aspirations.
Butler Community College Scholarships
Butler awards more than $3,000,000 in scholarships annually, including institutional, merit, performance, and program-specific awards. It offers many scholarship types (e.g. music, athletics, leadership, academic) to support student affordability. Students are encouraged to apply early and meet scholarship deadlines. A portion of students receive grants or aid—about 48 % of undergraduates received financial aid through grants in recent years, though only ~18 % received loans. The default rate among borrowers was reported as 0 %.
Butler Community College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Category | Approximate Cost / Notes |
|---|---|
| In-state Tuition per Credit Hour (Kansas Resident) | $136.50 |
| Room & Board (average) | ~$10,209 per year |
| Books & Supplies | ~$1,000 per year |
| Net Price (after aid) | Variable depending on scholarship and grants |
| Other Costs | Licensing, materials, transportation, etc. |
Butler Community College Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
In 2023–2024, Butler enrolled 6,552 undergraduates. Gender-wise, 4,022 (61.4 %) are female and 2,530 (38.6 %) are male. Ethnic breakdown: 60.4 % White, 14.8 % Hispanic or Latino, 8.47 % Black or African American, 4.35 % Asian, 0.87 % American Indian or Alaska Native, 0.18 % Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander, and others/unknown. Age distributions indicate significant numbers under 25, but also a substantive population 25 and older. A total of 2,175 students are enrolled exclusively online, and 2,142 take some online courses.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Butler supports a diverse socioeconomic student base. Nearly half (48 %) of undergraduates receive grants or financial aid, and a small proportion access loans (18 %). The institution offers disability services under federal compliance, allowing accommodations for qualified students in testing, learning environment, or accessibility. Though specific counts of students with disabilities are not broadly published, the institutional support infrastructure aims to assist academically and structurally.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 6,552 |
| Female | 4,022 (61.4 %) |
| Male | 2,530 (38.6 %) |
| Enrolled Exclusively Online | 2,175 |
| Enrolled Some Online | 2,142 |
| Students Receiving Grants / Aid | ~48 % |
| Students Receiving Loans | ~18 % |
University Diversity
Butler Community College displays a moderate level of diversity across race, age, gender, and socioeconomic status. While the majority of students are White, significant minority populations—including Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians—contribute to a multicultural student body. The presence of many younger learners, as well as older returning students and nontraditional learners, enriches classroom dynamics. The mix of in-person and online learners spreads geographic reach across Kansas and beyond. The institution’s scholarship and aid programs help reduce economic barriers, inviting students from varied backgrounds. Disability accommodations and student support services further foster inclusion. The diversity in life experience—commuters, working students, first-generation college attendees—makes Butler a microcosm of wider community demographics, reinforcing its mission of education access and equity.
Average Earnings
Graduates of Butler Community College enter fields tied to their certificates or associate degrees: nursing, allied health, business, education preparation, computer technology, trades, or transfer pathways to four-year institutions. In health and technical fields, starting salaries tend to be competitive for two-year credential holders, particularly in Kansas and surrounding states. Over time, as graduates gain experience or pursue additional licensure, certifications, or degrees, earnings typically increase. For transfer students who continue to four-year institutions, the return on investment can scale further. Because Butler emphasizes alignment with workforce needs and employer partnerships, graduates often transition more directly into roles that match their training, helping stabilize income trajectories more quickly than uncredentialed counterparts.
Butler Community College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Butler employs academic and instructional staff across its multiple campuses, including full-time faculty, adjunct instructors, and support staff in student services, advising, admissions, library, IT, and campus operations. With more than 1,200 academic staff statewide per institutional data, the college maintains robust staffing to cover its many programs and locations. Faculty teach general education, technical, health science, business, and trade courses. Support staff nurture student success, facilitate enrollment, run tutoring centers, and manage campus logistics.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Butler bring a blend of educational credentials and real-world experience, particularly in technical, health, business, and agricultural domains. Many have advanced degrees or industry certifications and contribute to community partnerships, workforce training, and program development. Some faculty may lead research or curriculum innovation, while others mentor students in applied projects or internships. Butler’s reputation as a feeder to four-year institutions is partly built on faculty who stay current in pedagogy, maintain transfer agreements, and support student transitions into bachelor degree programs.
Butler Community College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Butler Community College offers residential housing on its El Dorado main campus, allowing students to live on campus and partake of a more traditional collegiate experience. Beyond housing, student life includes a robust slate of clubs, organizations, arts performances, athletics, and extracurricular engagement. The college encourages a vibrant campus environment through theater, music events, community lectures, cultural offerings, and student involvement. Many students balance academic, social, and work life, and the college endeavors to integrate student engagement into its mission.
Transportation
The main campus and branch campuses are accessible by local roads and commuter traffic across south-central Kansas. Students commuting from nearby towns may use personal vehicles or public transit where available regionally. The El Dorado campus is walkable internally; classrooms, labs, student centers, administrative offices, and residential halls are connected via pedestrian pathways. For branch campuses and service centers, the college coordinates scheduling to minimize excessive travel demands on students. The college also supports remote learning to reduce commuting burdens for distant learners.