Groundbreaking ceremony in 1969

About Barton

Barton Community College opened in 1969.

Barton is a comprehensive community college; the beautiful main campus sits on 160 acres atop a hill about two miles northeast of Great Bend, Kan.

Each year thousands of students enroll in classes offered by Barton Community College.

Barton offers traditional general education courses, fine and performing arts opportunities, a plethora of career and technical training offerings, GED courses, transfer options, online classes and an athletic program that boasts 57 national championships. On-campus housing is available to over 400 students.

Military Friendly SchoolFurther, Barton is a leader in providing training to the military with service locations at Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth. Barton has been designated as a Military Friendly School. 

Barton's full-service campus at Fort Riley, which celebrates its 35th year in 2019, emphasizes access to education for active military and their family members. Barton's campus at Fort Leavenworth provides many of the common services available at Fort Riley. It has been operational since 2012 and has maintained steady substantial growth.

Barton also operates Camp Aldrich, an event center surrounded by lodging facilities, located in the rural countryside on 290 acres of rolling hills and grassland.

Barton is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and fulfills its mission to “offer exceptional and affordable learning opportunities supporting student, community, and employee needs.”

Barton Historical FlierHistorical Statement

Barton County Community College was formed July 15, 1965, through an election by the people of Barton County, Kansas and opened in 1969.

The College was created to provide students in Barton County an opportunity to obtain an education at a low cost within commuting distance.

Our Vision and Mission