Head-to-head · 2026
Independence Community College vs Pittsburg State University
Compare average net price ($3,265 at Independence Community College; $15,784 at Pittsburg State University), ROI score (26.75 vs 8.01), ten-year median earnings ($34,941 vs $50,579), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Independence Community College; 89.4% at Pittsburg State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Independence Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Independence 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 | Independence Community College | Pittsburg State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 26.75 ✓ | 8.01 |
| Avg net price | $3,265 ✓ | $15,784 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $34,941 | $50,579 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 89.4% |
| Graduation rate | 26.3% | 56.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $6,115 ✓ | $18,969 |
| Enrollment | 486 | 4,210 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1050 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Pittsburg State University costs $12,519 more per year than Independence Community College ($15,784 vs $3,265). Pittsburg State University graduates report $15,638 higher median earnings after ten years ($50,579 vs $34,941). On EduGradify's model that puts Independence Community College ahead on projected ROI (26.75 vs 8.01, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Independence Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Pittsburg State University reports 89.4% acceptance; Independence Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Independence Community College vs Pittsburg State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Independence Community College or Pittsburg State University the better value?
Independence Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (26.75 vs 8.01), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Independence Community College is cheaper — average net price $3,265 per year vs $15,784 at Pittsburg State University. The annual difference of $12,519 adds up to about $50,076 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Pittsburg State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $50,579 vs $34,941 at Independence Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $15,638.
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. Independence Community College reports a A+ value grade; Pittsburg State University reports B.