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 gives you a mixed financial outcome. At around $18,000 a year net and a median debt of $25,730, the debt load stays manageable against median earnings that clear $50,000 ten years out. The bigger risk isn't the money you borrow. it's whether you finish. A 41.8% graduation rate and a 60% retention rate mean you have a real chance of leaving with debt and no degree, which is the worst financial position at any school.
Nursing is the clear payoff here. It pays roughly $59,000 and comes with the lowest debt of the listed programs, so you graduate owing less and earning more. Business Administration is the opposite bet: it carries the highest debt and pays about $19,000 a year less than nursing. If you're borrowing $27,000 to earn $40,000, the math is tight, and you'd want a specific job lined up before committing to that path in the West Georgia market.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $11,000 or less a year. But there's a cliff: at $48,000 to $75,000, your price jumps to nearly $30,000, higher than what families earning over $110,000 pay. If you land in that middle band, run your actual aid offer before assuming this is affordable, because you may pay more than wealthier applicants.
This school fits you if you're targeting nursing, especially from a lower-income household where the net price stays low. Look elsewhere if you're a middle-income family facing the $30,000 tier, or if you're unsure you'll finish, given the low completion rate. Non-nursing majors carry weaker returns and should be paired with a clear career plan before you borrow.
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.