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 keeps your costs low and your debt lower, but the payoff depends entirely on which certificate you pick. With median debt at $7,000 and a 75% graduation rate, you are not gambling much money to finish. The problem is that median earnings ten years out sit under $30,000, which tells you the typical graduate here lands in a modest-paying job.
The program spread is wide. Industrial Production Technologies pays roughly $42,700, nearly triple what Business Operations Support graduates earn at about $14,300. Practical Nursing clears $34,000 on just $5,250 of debt, which is one of the strongest cost-to-earnings trades on this list. Precision Metal Working sits near the school's median. If you enroll in Health Aides or Business Operations Support, expect earnings below $17,000 while carrying similar debt, and the math does not work.
The specific risk here is picking the wrong certificate. Two programs pay a living wage tied to the region's industrial and healthcare demand. two leave you with debt and wages that barely clear part-time income. The credential level is the same, so the earnings gap comes down to field, not effort.
Net price runs about $5,400 if your family earns under $30,000, and it roughly doubles to $11,266 in the $48,000-$75,000 range. Lower-income families get the better deal here. Middle-income families pay more and should weigh that against the earnings of their target program.
This school fits you if you are heading into industrial trades or practical nursing and want a fast, cheap credential that connects to Alexandria-area jobs. If you are drawn to the support-services or health-aide tracks, the earnings do not justify even this low cost, and you should look elsewhere.
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.