Head-to-head · 2026
Emporia State University vs Johnson County Community College
Compare average net price ($16,261 at Emporia State University; $14,176 at Johnson County Community College), ROI score (7.32 vs 8.00), ten-year median earnings ($47,601 vs $45,387), and admissions context (97.7% at Emporia State University; Open / not reported at Johnson County Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Johnson County Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Johnson County Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Emporia State University | Johnson County Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.32 | 8.00 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,261 | $14,176 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,601 ✓ | $45,387 |
| Acceptance rate | 97.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 56.1% ✓ | 30.8% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $8,750 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,239 | 11,332 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1120 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Emporia State University costs $2,085 more per year than Johnson County Community College ($16,261 vs $14,176). Emporia State University graduates report $2,214 higher median earnings after ten years ($47,601 vs $45,387). On EduGradify's model that puts Johnson County Community College ahead on projected ROI (8.00 vs 7.32, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Johnson County Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Emporia State University reports 97.7% acceptance; Johnson County Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Emporia State University vs Johnson County Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Emporia State University or Johnson County Community College the better value?
Johnson County Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.00 vs 7.32), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Johnson County Community College is cheaper — average net price $14,176 per year vs $16,261 at Emporia State University. The annual difference of $2,085 adds up to about $8,340 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Emporia State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $47,601 vs $45,387 at Johnson County Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,214.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Emporia State University reports a C value grade; Johnson County Community College reports B.