At $3,271/yr net price, Lake Land College graduates earn $38,877/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,877/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,271 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $13,084 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,877/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,877/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,188 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,259/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,825/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,089/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,329/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,542/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. | Associate | $56,748 | $6,816 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Associate | $44,384 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | $8,000 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $41,087 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Associate | $32,711 | |
| Social Work. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $22,989 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $20,824 | $6,118 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $18,967 |
The Risk Factor
53.5% of students at Lake Land 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 Land College delivers strong financial returns for a community college, with extremely low costs offsetting modest graduate earnings. At $3,271 annually, you pay roughly one-tenth what four-year students spend while avoiding the debt trap that derails many college careers.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Registered nursing graduates earn $56,748 annually with minimal debt, creating strong ROI that rivals or beats many bachelor's degrees. Agricultural mechanization and dental support programs also produce solid returns above $42,000. These technical programs align perfectly with rural Illinois job markets where Lake Land has built strong employer relationships.
Liberal arts transfers present higher risk since your ultimate ROI depends entirely on your four-year destination and major. The 53% graduation rate signals that many students struggle to complete programs, though this partly reflects the open-access mission serving underprepared students.
Lake Land works best if you want immediate workforce entry through technical training or need affordable prerequisites before transferring. The school makes particular sense for career changers seeking quick retraining without massive debt. Skip it if you need urban job markets, extensive student services, or strong credentials for competitive fields.
Only 27% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay the already-low sticker price. This creates an unusual situation where merit scholarships matter less than program selection. Focus your energy on choosing high-earning technical programs rather than chasing additional aid dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Land College worth the money?
Lake Land College offers strong value with a low net price of $3,271 per year and graduates earning $38,877 annually after 10 years. The low debt load of $6,188 makes it financially accessible, though the 53% graduation rate means about half of students don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Lake Land College?
Nursing programs lead Lake Land College earnings with graduates making $56,748 annually, followed by Agricultural Mechanization at $44,384. Dental support services and electromechanical technology programs also pay well at around $42,000 annually.
How much debt do Lake Land College graduates have?
Lake Land College graduates have a median debt of just $6,188, which is very low compared to most colleges. This manageable debt load makes the school financially accessible for most students.
What is the job market like for Lake Land College graduates?
Lake Land College graduates earn $38,877 per year on average, which is reasonable for a community college focused on technical and healthcare programs. The strongest job prospects are in nursing and skilled trades where demand remains high in the region.