At $17,805/yr net price, LaGrange College graduates earn $51,745/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,745/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,805 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,220 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,745/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,745/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,730 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,585/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,752/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,989/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,805/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,286/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,180 | $20,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,188 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
41.8% of students at LaGrange College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
LaGrange College delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing graduates earning strong salaries but other programs struggling to justify the investment. At $17,805 per year after aid, the school costs less than many private colleges, but the 42% graduation rate means you face serious odds of leaving without a degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $59,180 annually and carrying just $20,250 in debt. Business graduates face a tougher reality, earning $40,188 while owing $27,000. Other programs appear to generate even weaker returns based on the school's overall median earnings of $51,745.
Your biggest risk at LaGrange is not finishing. The 60% retention rate signals that many students transfer or drop out after freshman year. If you complete your degree, you'll likely earn more than the typical Georgia worker, but the path to graduation proves challenging for most students.
LaGrange makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing and confident you'll finish your degree. The program's strong job placement in Georgia's growing healthcare market justifies the investment. Students considering business or liberal arts programs should compare carefully with state schools, where similar outcomes cost thousands less.
The school's 44% financial aid rate suggests merit scholarships exist but aren't widespread. Your best cost strategy involves securing maximum aid upfront and choosing nursing if healthcare appeals to you. Students who struggled academically in high school or lack clear career direction should consider starting at a community college before transferring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LaGrange College worth the cost for the education you get?
LaGrange College has mixed value depending on your major. Nursing graduates earn $59,180 annually, making the $25,730 median debt manageable, but business graduates average just $40,188. The 42% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What programs at LaGrange College offer the best return on investment?
Nursing programs provide the strongest ROI at LaGrange College, with graduates earning $59,180 compared to the overall average of $51,745. Business administration graduates earn significantly less at $40,188, making those programs harder to justify financially.
How much debt do LaGrange College students typically graduate with?
LaGrange College graduates carry a median debt of $25,730. This is reasonable for nursing majors who earn $59,180, but creates financial strain for business graduates earning $40,188 annually.
Does LaGrange College have good job placement after graduation?
LaGrange College's 42% graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish their programs. While nursing graduates do well financially, the low completion rate suggests academic or support issues that could affect job readiness.