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 sits in a hard financial spot. Ten years after starting, the typical graduate earns about $24,300 a year, which is close to what you'd make without any degree at all. Pair that with a 13.3% graduation rate, and the odds of finishing and then seeing a real earnings bump are both against you.
The 50% retention rate is the number to sit with first. Half of first-year students don't come back. If you enroll, there's a coin-flip chance you leave with debt and no credential, which is the worst financial outcome this school can hand you. No bachelor-level program salary data is listed here, so there's no way to point you toward a major that pays off versus one that doesn't at LCO specifically.
The net price is the one bright spot. At roughly $11,500 a year, this is a low-cost school, and for families earning under $30,000 the price actually drops slightly to about $11,200. Oddly, the $30k-$48k tier pays more, around $14,400, so a modest income bump costs you real money here.
This school makes financial sense if you're a member of the tribal community, live near Hayward, want to stay in the area, and value a tribally controlled education for reasons beyond the paycheck. The low price limits your downside if things go well. But if you're borrowing to attend and counting on the degree to lift your income, the earnings and completion numbers don't support that bet. Look at schools with stronger graduation and earnings records before you commit money you'll need to repay.
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.