At $21,296/yr net price, Lake Erie College graduates earn $50,417/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,417/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,296 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,184 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,417/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,417/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,958/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,969/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,863/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,170/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,353/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,733 | $41,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,808 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,600 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $25,250 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,685 | |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $21,781 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $21,508 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
41.9% of students at Lake Erie 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
Lake Erie College gives you a weak financial return. You pay about $21,000 a year in net price and leave with median earnings of $50,417 ten years out, but the bachelor's programs listed here tell a harsher story. Business Administration, the top earner among named majors, pays $37,808 while carrying $27,000 in debt. That means the strongest program on this list leaves you owing nearly as much as you make in your first year.
None of the named bachelor's programs break $38,000. Criminal Justice ($35,600), Teacher Education ($35,060), Psychology ($31,133), and Health and Physical Education ($29,685) all land below the school's overall median, and several carry debt at or above their starting pay. Psychology is the worst combination here: $31,133 in earnings against $27,000 in debt. The gap between these program figures and the $50,417 school-wide median suggests the higher earners come from paths not broken out in this data.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. A 41.9% graduation rate and 65.92% retention mean a third of you leave after year one, and most of you won't graduate. If you borrow and don't finish, you carry debt with no degree behind it.
The net price tiers make this school hardest on middle incomes. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about $17,958. if you earn $75-110k, you pay $24,170 , more than the highest bracket saves relative to sticker cost. Families over $110k pay $24,353.
This school fits you if you enter a career-linked program, are confident you'll graduate, and keep borrowing well under the $26,000 median. If you'd major in psychology or need low debt to make it work, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Erie College worth the money?
Lake Erie College's ROI is mixed - graduates earn $50,417 after 10 years with typical debt of $26,000, which creates manageable payments. However, the 42% graduation rate means many students leave without a degree, making it risky for students who aren't committed to finishing.
What are the best paying majors at Lake Erie College?
Business Administration graduates from Lake Erie College earn the highest salaries at around $52,733, while other popular programs like Criminal Justice ($35,600) and Education ($35,060) pay below the national average. Psychology majors earn just $31,133, making debt repayment challenging.
How much debt do Lake Erie College students graduate with?
Lake Erie College graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt, which is reasonable compared to national averages. With a net price of $21,296 per year, students who finish in four years and receive typical financial aid can keep debt manageable.
What is Lake Erie College's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Only 42% of students graduate from Lake Erie College, meaning most who enroll never finish their degree. This low completion rate significantly increases the financial risk, as students who drop out still carry debt without the earning potential of a college degree.