Independence Community College will hold tuition steady for Kansas residents and high school students in 2027–28 following approval by the Board of Trustees at its Monday night meeting, giving families information they can use now as they make college decisions.
“Students and families are weighing their college options right now, and knowing the cost is an important part of that decision,” said James Arnold, ICC President. “By establishing our rates early and holding Kansas tuition steady, we’re helping families plan with confidence. Combined with our scholarship opportunities, this gives local students a clearer picture of how affordable an ICC education can be.”
Tuition will remain $76 per credit hour for in-district students and $82 for other Kansas residents. The high school rate will remain $50 per credit hour, helping students get an early start on college.
ICC’s new Sunflower Scholarship covers tuition for up to 18 credit hours per semester during the fall and spring for qualifying Kansas high school graduates with a high school or college GPA of at least 2.5.
The competitive Presidential Scholarship covers tuition and fees for up to 18 credit hours per semester, includes textbooks and provides an additional $500 each fall and spring semester. The priority consideration deadline is Feb. 1
Montgomery County residents with a GPA of at least 2.0 will continue to have access to the Montgomery County Scholarship, which covers tuition for up to 18 credit hours per semester. Scholarship-specific eligibility and application requirements apply, and institutional scholarships generally cannot be combined.
The tuition decision builds on recent enrollment momentum. ICC was one of just six Kansas community colleges to report year-over-year headcount growth in Fall 2026, while high school enrollment increased by more than 3%. The college’s latest first-time, full-time student retention rate reached 50%, up from 47% the previous year and 44% in 2023–24.
For Remington Waldner, an Independence High School graduate and current ICC student, opportunities at the college include a cheer scholarship and an IT internship. Waldner also serves in the military, balancing his education with service and campus involvement.
“At ICC, I’ve been able to stay close to home, be part of the cheer team and gain hands-on experience through my IT internship,” said Waldner. “I’m building skills for my future while staying connected to the community I grew up in.”
Kansas tuition will remain unchanged, while the academic fee will increase by $6 per credit hour and the facilities fee by $2 per credit hour.
Textbooks will continue to be provided on loan at no additional cost, helping students save hundreds of dollars each semester and reducing the overall cost of attending ICC.
Students and families can explore programs and scholarships at www.indycc.edu or contact Financial Aid at financialaid@indycc.edu or 620-331-4100 for help understanding their options.