Dodge City Community College (DC3) is a public community college located in Dodge City, Kansas. Established in 1935, DC3 operates with an open-door admissions policy, serving Ford County and an eight-county service region. The college is governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees and is committed to providing quality instructional programs, student support services, and affordable lifelong learning opportunities. DC3 challenges students to initiate and maintain academic, technical, physical, spiritual, social, and personal growth.
Key Strategic Focus
DC3's strategic focus centers on offering diverse educational programs that cater to both academic and technical career paths. The college provides various two-year associate degrees, including Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of General Studies. Additionally, DC3 offers Associate of Applied Science degrees in technical areas and one-year certificate programs. Transfer programs are available in over 30 majors, such as Agriculture, Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Education, Nursing, and more.
Financials and Funding
As of the end of the 2023 fiscal year, DC3's endowment was valued at approximately $2.8 million, reflecting a 6.63% growth from the previous year. The return on its endowment was 17.4%, compared to the 7.3% average return across all associate colleges. In 2023, the college's total salary expenditure was $38.4 million, with instructional salaries accounting for $2.31 million paid to 39 employees.
Pipeline Development
DC3 continually develops and enhances its academic programs to meet the evolving needs of students and the community. The college offers a range of programs, including Liberal Arts & Sciences, Registered Nursing, Flight Instructor, and various technical certifications. In 2023, DC3 awarded 382 degrees across all undergraduate programs, with 59.2% of these degrees awarded to women.
Technological Platform and Innovation
DC3 is committed to integrating technology into its educational offerings. The college provides online courses and has a significant portion of students enrolled in distance learning programs. In 2023, 1,037 students enrolled through distance learning, with 342 students enrolled exclusively in online courses.
Leadership Team
The leadership team at DC3 is dedicated to upholding the college's mission and values. The current president is Dr. Harold E. Nolte, Jr., who has been instrumental in implementing cost-saving strategies and enhancing the quality of education at DC3.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The community college sector in Kansas is competitive, with institutions striving to offer quality education at affordable prices. DC3 has been recognized for its affordability and quality, ranking No. 1 in the "Cost and Financing" category among Kansas community colleges in a 2019 study.
Competitor Analysis
Key competitors include Garden City Community College, Seward County Community College, and Pratt Community College. These institutions offer similar programs and serve overlapping regions, making the market competitive. DC3's emphasis on affordability, diverse program offerings, and strong community engagement positions it favorably among its peers.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
DC3 actively engages in partnerships to enhance educational opportunities. The college collaborates with local industries to provide students with practical experience and job placement opportunities. Additionally, DC3 has articulation agreements with four-year institutions to facilitate seamless transfer for students pursuing bachelor's degrees.
Operational Insights
DC3's strategic considerations include maintaining affordability, expanding online education, and strengthening community ties. The college's commitment to innovation and student success differentiates it from competitors and enhances its market position.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Looking ahead, DC3 aims to expand its online course offerings, develop new programs aligned with emerging job markets, and strengthen partnerships with local businesses and four-year institutions. By leveraging its strengths in affordability and community engagement, DC3 is well-positioned to meet future educational demands.
Contact Information
For more information, visit DC3's official website.
Market Research
