At $11,536/yr net price, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University graduates earn $24,302/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,536 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,144 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $24,302/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-9,698/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 13.3% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,179/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,387/yr |
The Risk Factor
13.3% of students at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University presents a high-risk financial proposition with median earnings of $24,302 ten years after enrollment and a 13% graduation rate that ranks among the lowest nationally.
The low completion rate creates serious financial risk since you bear the full cost of attendance without receiving a degree's earning potential. With only half of students returning for their second year, the academic support structure may not adequately prepare you for degree completion.
The modest net price of $11,536 annually helps limit debt exposure, but even this relatively affordable cost becomes problematic when weighed against the poor completion outcomes. You could accumulate $46,000 in costs over four years with minimal likelihood of graduating.
This university serves the Ojibwe community specifically, and your financial calculation should account for cultural and community benefits beyond pure earnings metrics. If you value studying within an Indigenous educational framework and maintaining cultural connections, these factors may justify the financial risks that would be unacceptable at a mainstream institution.
You should seriously consider this school only if you have strong academic preparation, clear degree completion plans, and family or community support systems that increase your odds of graduation well above the institutional average. The combination of low earnings and poor completion rates makes this a financially sound choice for very few students based purely on economic returns.
Alternative pathways like community college transfer programs or other tribal colleges with stronger completion rates may offer better financial outcomes while still serving Indigenous students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University worth the cost?
With graduates earning $24,302 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $11,536 annually, the return on investment is weak compared to most colleges. The extremely low 13% graduation rate means most students leave without completing their degree.
What is the job market like for Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University graduates?
Graduates earn about $24,000 annually ten years after starting college, which is below the national median for college graduates. This earning level typically indicates limited career advancement opportunities in higher-paying fields.
How much student debt do Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University students typically have?
With a net price of about $11,500 per year, students who complete a four-year degree would accumulate roughly $46,000 in costs. Given the low graduation rates and modest earning outcomes, this debt level poses significant financial risk.
What are the best programs at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University for career prospects?
The available data does not show program-specific outcomes, but the overall low earnings suggest that even the strongest programs may not lead to high-paying careers. Students should research specific program placement rates and starting salaries before enrolling.