At $5,497/yr net price, Central Louisiana Technical Community College graduates earn $29,558/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,497 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,988 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $29,558/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-4,442/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,424/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,966/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,266/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $34,170 | $5,250 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Health Aides/Attendants/Orderlies. | Certificate | $16,848 | $5,500 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Certificate | $14,318 |
The Risk Factor
75.2% of students at Central Louisiana Technical Community College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Central Louisiana Technical Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused students, with low debt and strong earnings in key technical fields. Your total debt will likely stay under $7,000, making this one of Louisiana's most affordable paths to middle-class earnings.
Industrial production and precision metalworking programs offer the strongest payoff, with graduates earning over $40,000 annually. Practical nursing provides steady income around $34,000 with minimal debt at $5,250. These programs align well with Central Louisiana's manufacturing and healthcare job market, where technical skills command premium wages.
Avoid the business support and health aide programs if income matters to you. Business support graduates earn just $14,318 annually, barely above minimum wage despite completing a two-year program. Health aides face similar low earnings at $16,848, making the time investment questionable.
You face minimal financial risk here given the low sticker price and high graduation rate of 75%. However, program choice determines everything. Pick industrial tech or nursing and you'll likely see positive returns within two years of graduation. Choose business support and you may never recover your opportunity costs.
This school works best if you want quick entry into Louisiana's industrial job market without accumulating significant debt. Skip Central Louisiana Tech if you prefer office work, plan to transfer to a four-year school, or live outside the region where these technical skills are valued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Louisiana Technical Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $5,497 per year and median debt of only $7,000, Central Louisiana Technical Community College offers good value for career training. However, average earnings of $29,558 ten years after graduation are relatively low, so ROI depends heavily on your chosen program.
What programs at Central Louisiana Technical Community College have the best job prospects?
Industrial Production Technologies leads with $42,682 in average earnings, followed by Practical Nursing at $34,170. These programs justify the investment much better than lower-paying options like Health Aides ($16,848) or Business Operations Support ($14,318).
How much debt do Central Louisiana Technical Community College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $7,000, which is manageable for a technical college. Low tuition costs help keep borrowing minimal, though earnings potential varies significantly by program.
Does Central Louisiana Technical Community College have good graduation rates?
The 75% graduation rate is solid for a community college, indicating most students complete their programs. This suggests the school provides adequate support for students to finish their training.