At $10,989/yr net price, Lake Region State College graduates earn $49,502/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,502/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,989 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,956 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,502/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,502/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,293 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,663/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,867/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,297/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,438/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,249/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 | $56,776 | $13,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $50,606 | $4,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $38,289 | $9,490 |
The Risk Factor
50.6% of students at Lake Region State 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 Region State College delivers solid returns for a two-year institution, with graduates earning $49,502 annually against just $10,293 in median debt. Your debt-to-income ratio stays manageable at roughly 21%, making this one of North Dakota's better community college investments.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $56,776 annually despite carrying $13,000 in debt. Criminal Justice also performs well at $50,606, particularly the track with only $4,750 in debt. These programs align with North Dakota's healthcare needs and law enforcement demand in rural areas.
Agricultural Business and Liberal Arts both plateau at $38,289, which barely covers the state's living costs. Liberal Arts graduates also carry $9,490 in debt for earnings that may not justify the investment, especially if you plan to transfer rather than enter the workforce immediately.
The biggest risk here is the 50.6% graduation rate. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often still carrying debt. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, the completion odds work against you.
This school works best if you want nursing or criminal justice training without leaving North Dakota, or if you need affordable general education credits before transferring. The low net price of $10,989 makes it accessible, though only 10.5% receive financial aid, suggesting most students pay close to sticker price.
Skip Lake Region if you want four-year career preparation outside healthcare or law enforcement, or if you need significant academic support to finish programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Region State College worth the cost?
Lake Region State College offers reasonable value with a low net price of $11,000 annually and modest debt loads around $10,000. However, the 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't graduate.
What are the best paying programs at Lake Region State College?
Nursing programs at Lake Region State College provide the strongest ROI, with registered nursing graduates earning around $57,000 annually. Criminal justice and agricultural business programs offer more modest returns in the $38,000-$51,000 range.
How much debt do Lake Region State College graduates have?
Lake Region State College graduates carry relatively low debt with a median of $10,293. This manageable debt load helps offset the below-average earnings of $49,500 for most graduates.
Does Lake Region State College have good job outcomes?
Lake Region State College graduates earn $49,500 ten years after enrollment, which is below national averages for college graduates. The low cost helps, but earnings potential varies significantly by program choice.