Barton Community College
Barton Community College General Information
Overview
Barton Community College is a public institution located in Great Bend, Kansas, serving a broad rural and commuter region. The college’s mission centers on accessible, affordable education and workforce development, offering a mix of transfer-oriented programs and career-technical training. Barton provides associate degrees, certificates, customized training for business and industry, adult education opportunities including GED preparation, and multiple campus sites as well as online options.
The institution emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, industry relevance, and partnerships with local employers. Students benefit from smaller class sizes, dedicated faculty, personal advising, and a focus on student success in both academic pathways and direct workforce entry. Barton’s strength lies in its flexibility—full- and part-time formats, evening offerings, and robust support for non-traditional students. The college’s commitment to community engagement and regional education access helps it serve a diverse student body and support local economic development.
Contact Informations
Address: 245 NE 30 Road, Great Bend, Kansas 67530
Phone Number: (620) 792-2701
Email Address: admissions@bartonccc.edu
School Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1965 |
| Motto | “What Drives You?” |
| Institutional Type | Public Community College |
| Campus Setting | Rural, 160-acre main campus plus satellite locations |
| Service Area | Barton, Ellsworth, Pawnee, Rush, Russell, Stafford counties (and parts of Rice County) |
| Student Population | Approximately 4,400 undergraduates |
Barton Community College Rankings
| Category | Rank / Position |
|---|---|
| Best Community Colleges in Kansas | Ranked #14 by one major review site |
| National Community College Rankings | Included in broader US community college listings |
| Global/International | Not typically ranked globally due to two-year focus |
Barton Community College Academics
Barton Community College Faculties / Departments
- Business & Economics
- Health Professions & Nursing
- Industrial & Technical Trades
- Agriculture, Energy & Natural Resources
- Computer & Information Technology
- General Studies & Transfer Programs
- Public Safety & Military Studies
- Adult Education / GED & Adult Basic Education
Barton Community College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
- Registered Nursing Certificate
- Liberal Arts & Sciences Associate
- Welding Technology Certificate
- Commercial Driver License (CDL)-Professional Driver Training
- Agriculture Production Systems Associate
- Computer Networking Technology Associate
- Business Administration Transfer Track
- Early Childhood Education Certificate
Online Learning
Barton Community College offers a substantial number of online or hybrid courses, including fully online certificate and associate programs. This flexibility supports commuters, working adults, and remote learners. The college also provides adult education, GED preparation, and online student services to enhance access for non-traditional populations.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Range / Data |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not consistently required |
| ACT | Not prominently published |
| Program-specific Certification Exams | Nursing and technical programs maintain passing rates aligned with state standards |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As of 2023, Barton Community College reports a retention rate of approximately 51% for full-time first-time students. Graduation or completion within normal time sits around 42.9% according to recent data. These figures reflect the challenge of serving a large part-time, non-traditional student population while maintaining workforce-ready credentials.
Barton Community College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Admission to Barton Community College generally requires a high school diploma or GED. Standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT are not typically required for most programs, reflecting the institution’s open-access mission. Applicants to specific programs may need to meet additional criteria such as prerequisite coursework or assessment of readiness.
Barton Community College Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 100% for eligible applicants |
Barton Community College Application Requirements
Prospective students must submit a completed application form, provide official high school transcripts or a GED credential, and complete placement or readiness assessments if required by program. Some career-technical programs may require additional evaluation, orientation participation, or documentation of specific prerequisites. The process is designed to be accessible, with admissions advisors available to guide students through program selection, scheduling, financial aid, and support services.
Application Process
- Submit application form with required documentation
- Provide high school transcript or GED verification
- Complete placement or program-specific readiness assessment if required
- Meet with an academic advisor to plan program schedule
- Register for classes and attend orientation
Barton Community College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fall Term | Applications recommended by early August |
| Spring Term | Applications recommended by December |
| Rolling Admissions | Many programs accept applications year-round |
Essay Prompt
While not always required, some programs may ask applicants to submit a short statement of educational goals, career ambitions, or personal circumstances that reflect readiness for college-level coursework and commitment to completion.
Barton Community College Scholarships
The college offers institutional scholarships based on merit, need-based grants, and external funding sources. Students are encouraged to meet with financial aid advisors early to explore scholarship opportunities, work-study options, and program-specific awards especially in high-demand fields like nursing and technical trades.
Barton Community College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| In-state Associate Degree Programs | Approx. US $2,144 in tuition (2023 figure) |
| Average Net Price After Aid | Approx. US $11,329 (2023 figure) |
Barton Community College Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student body at Barton includes a mix of full-time and part-time learners, with a substantial proportion of adult and commuter students. In 2023, full-time students accounted for about 27.4% of enrollment and part-time students comprised the remainder. Racial/ethnic composition: about 62.9% White, 11.2% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Black or African American, 5.4% Two or more races, and smaller percentages of Asian and Native American students.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A significant portion of students rely on financial aid, grants, and institutional support. The average net price and institutional aid reflect the college’s mission to serve lower-income and non-traditional student populations. The college provides accommodations, tutoring, and support services for students with disabilities, offering flexibility in scheduling and program formats.
Student Body
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | Approximately 4,393 (2023) |
| Full-Time Students | ~1,203 |
| Part-Time Students | ~3,190 |
University Diversity
Barton Community College fosters a diverse learning environment aligned to its regional mission. The institution serves students across a wide age range, with many returning learners balancing education with work and family responsibilities. Diversity manifests in racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds, which enriches peer learning and campus culture. The college offers student organizations, multicultural events, and support services that reflect its commitment to inclusive access and community engagement. The presence of both traditional students and adult learners creates a dynamic that values real-world experience and workforce readiness alongside academic development.
Average Earnings
Graduates from Barton’s career-technical and workforce programs often enter employment in health care, trades, information technology, and public safety. While specific salary data varies by program and geographic region, many graduates in high-demand areas such as nursing or technology begin in entry-level roles with potential for growth as they gain experience and credentials.
Barton Community College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Faculty at Barton Community College include dedicated professionals with academic credentials and industry experience. Staff in student support roles provide advising, tutoring, career services, adult education programs, and help with financial aid and scheduling. The faculty-staff team is geared toward support for access, completion, and workforce readiness.
Faculty Profiles
Instructors bring expertise in technical trades, health professions, business, and general education, many maintaining professional certifications or active practice in their fields. This ensures relevance and currency in teaching. Faculty often engage in professional development, serve on industry advisory boards, and collaborate with employers to align curriculum with workforce needs.
Barton Community College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The main campus in Great Bend spans 160 acres and includes modern facilities, labs, a planetarium, visual and performing arts spaces, adult education centers and satellite campuses. Housing is not a prominent feature, as most students commute or attend part time. Student life emphasizes academic support, student organizations, workforce development events, and community engagement rather than traditional residential college culture.
Transportation
Barton Community College is accessible via regional roads and commuter routes, with parking available on campus. Local bus systems may serve parts of the region, though many students drive. Evening and weekend class options support commuters. The college also serves multiple satellite campuses and offers online learning options to expand access across its service area.