Johnson County Community College: An Overview

The community college represents a significant contribution to American education in the 20th century. With roots in the junior colleges of the 1920s and 30s, which provided the first two years of postsecondary education, today, there are over 1,160 comprehensive community colleges across the United States. These institutions play a vital role in higher education, serving a diverse population of undergraduates. Nearly one-third of community college students are the first in their families to attend college. Across the country, community colleges enroll 9 million students in credit programs and another 5 million in noncredit courses. Johnson County Community College (JCCC) stands as a prominent example of this model.

Establishment and Governance

Johnson County Community College was founded in 1969 to serve the residents of Johnson County, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri. The college was formally established following a successful county-wide election held in March 1967. The existing campus was made possible in 1969 after Johnson County voters approved $12.9 million in bonds to purchase 200 acres of land in Overland Park.

JCCC is governed by a seven-member board of trustees elected at-large by Johnson County voters to four-year terms. The board governs the College and sets the budget and local tax levy. Over 65% of JCCC’s operating funding comes from county and motor vehicle taxes. State legislation has enabled community colleges to establish service areas that are supported by state funding and local taxes.

Campus and Academics

JCCC's campus is located in a city with a total enrollment of 13,891. The school utilizes a semester-based academic year. The student-faculty ratio is 17-to-1. Class sizes average 25 to 30 students. The highest degree offered at Johnson County Community College is an associate degree. The school has an open admissions policy. Students wishing to attend the college must file an application, submit official transcripts and complete an assessment process. The college also offers credit for life experiences.

JCCC offers a range of undergraduate credit courses that form the first two years of most college curricula. The college has more than 100 transfer agreements with regional colleges and universities, which assure admittance without loss of time or credit. More than 41 percent of JCCC students enrolled in fall 2014 planned to transfer to another college or university. More than 50 one- and two-year career degree and certificate programs prepare students to enter the job market in high-employment fields. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 46 different fields. Popular programs include: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Business Administration and Management, General.

Read also: Academic Life at JCCC

Faculty and Staff

The college has 926 full-time faculty and staff. Another 1,451 people work as adjunct faculty or part-time staff. Most faculty members have master's degrees, and many have or are earning doctorates. The full-time faculty percentage at Johnson County Community College is 43%.

Student Life and Services

JCCC offers a variety of services designed to support student success. These include:

Academic/career counseling service: Providing guidance and support for students in their academic and career planning.
Placement services for completers: Assisting graduates in finding employment opportunities.
On-campus day care for students' children: Providing childcare services for students with children.
Employment services for students: Helping students find part-time or full-time employment.
Credit for life experiences: Recognizing and awarding credit for relevant life experiences.

JCCC provides a supportive environment for students at every stage of learning and life, offering academic programs, workforce development and continuing education courses, and community events. The college focuses on student success, providing small class sizes, experienced and caring faculty, affordable tuition rates, and on-campus student resources.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The in-district tuition and fees for 2020-2021 were $2,256, in-state tuition and fees were $2,688, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $5,352. There is no application fee. In 2022-2023, in-state tuition and fees were $2,688 and out-of-state tuition and fees were $5,352. The average cost of books and supplies is $1,560.

At Johnson County Community College, 31 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, and the average scholarship or grant award is $2,808. The overall average net price of JCCC is $13,823.

Read also: Continuing Education Programs

Rankings and Recognition

JCCC has a national reputation for educational excellence. College Factual's 2025 ranking of best overall colleges in the United States placed JCCC at #347 out of 2,152 colleges and universities analyzed. This places it in the top 20% of all schools in the nation. Out of the 44 colleges in Kansas, JCCC is ranked at #4. The highest ranked major at the school is liberal arts / sciences & humanities. JCCC was awarded 31 badges in the 2025 rankings.

Admission and Enrollment

Johnson County Community College has an open admissions policy. In Fall 2023, the total number of entering students was 3,696. In Fall 2022, the full-time enrollment was 4,765 and the part-time enrollment was 9,126. The ethnicity distribution includes Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander students. The age distribution is as follows: Under 18 (8%), 18-24 (60%), 25-64 (31%), and Over 65 (1%).

Online Learning

JCCC offers online courses as an option for students. In 2022-2023, 6,647 students took at least one online class at Johnson County Community College. Some degree programs are available as an online learning option, and JCCC also offers a distance learning program.

Campus Facilities

Founded in 1967, Johnson County Community College is seated on 220 acres located in Johnson county. At least one staffed computer lab is available to students. A wireless computer network is available throughout the campus.

Special Programs

The following special programs are offered:

External Degree Program
English as a Second Language program
Academic remediation
Double major option
Independent study
Learning disabilities services
Advanced Placement credit
Student-designed majors
Honors program
Cooperative (work-study) program
Internships
Off-campus study
Summer session for credit
Sponsors its own study-abroad program
Part-time undergraduate degree programs

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