At $24,449/yr net price, Lackawanna College graduates earn $41,000/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,000/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,449 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $97,796 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,000/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,000/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 14 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,075 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,309/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,546/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,822/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,336/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,586/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $54,996 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $43,426 | $4,865 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $42,123 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,208 | $19,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $24,808 | $18,500 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $17,437 | $24,000 |
The Risk Factor
37.7% of students at Lackawanna College 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
Lackawanna College delivers weak financial returns with a median graduate earning just $41,000 annually against a $24,449 yearly cost. The 37.7% graduation rate means most students never finish their programs, making the investment particularly risky.
Mining and petroleum technology stands out as the clear winner, producing graduates earning $54,996. Criminal justice programs show mixed results - one track earns $43,426 with minimal debt of $4,865, while another version pays only $24,808 with $18,500 in debt. Allied health programs fall in the middle range but carry substantial debt loads approaching $19,000.
The college's 100% retention rate appears misleading given the low graduation rate, suggesting students stay enrolled but struggle to complete degrees. This pattern creates extended enrollment costs without degree completion benefits.
Lackawanna makes financial sense only if you target mining technology or the higher-paying criminal justice track. The school works best for local students who can minimize housing costs and have clear career paths in Pennsylvania's industrial sectors. Avoid the lower-paying criminal justice program entirely and approach allied health programs with caution given their debt-to-earnings ratios.
With 58% of students receiving aid, financial assistance is available but insufficient to offset the poor graduation rates. Your biggest risk is paying for multiple years without graduating, which happens to most students here. Consider community college alternatives or four-year schools with higher completion rates unless you have specific reasons to pursue mining technology at this location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lackawanna College worth the cost?
Lackawanna College's ROI is weak, with graduates earning $41,000 annually after paying $24,449 per year. The low 38% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
What are the best paying programs at Lackawanna College?
Mining and Petroleum Technologies graduates earn the highest salaries at $55,000 annually. Criminal Justice and Allied Health programs typically pay $37,000-43,000, which barely justifies the cost.
How much debt do Lackawanna College graduates have?
The median debt is $18,075, which is manageable compared to the annual cost. However, with earnings of only $41,000, loan payments will still strain most graduates' budgets.
Does Lackawanna College have good job placement rates?
While specific placement data isn't available, the 38% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs. This raises concerns about the school's ability to prepare students for careers.