Lake-Sumter State College: $3,292 Tuition

$3,292Tuition

3,572Students

45%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$39,876Earnings

Public4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Lake-Sumter State College

Lake-Sumter State College serves 3,572 students in Leesburg, about an hour northwest of Orlando. This community college focuses on career training and transfer preparation, with many students using it as a stepping stone to four-year universities or entering the workforce quickly. The school draws almost entirely from Florida, with 99.44% of students coming from in-state.

The financial picture makes sense for budget-conscious families. Students pay an average net price of $5,742 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $3,292. Those from lower-income families (under $30,000) pay even less at $4,393. Graduates typically leave with $6,750 in debt and monthly loan payments of only $72. Within ten years, median earnings reach $39,876, making the debt manageable for most career paths.

The student body leans heavily female at 61.87% women, with a diverse mix that's 47% white, 29.82% Hispanic, and 12.71% Black. With a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger class sizes typical of community colleges. The Lakehawks compete in eight NJCAA sports with 106 total athletes. About 45.70% of students finish their programs within four years, which aligns with the school's role as both a career launcher and transfer center.

Academics & Faculty

Lake-Sumter State College operates as a community college serving central Florida with a student-faculty ratio of 25:1, which means larger class sizes than four-year universities but still allows for reasonable access to instructors. The school focuses on career-ready programs like nursing, business, and automotive technology that connect directly to local job markets. With a 4-year graduation rate of 45.70%, students here often balance school with work or family responsibilities, which extends their timeline but doesn't diminish their success. The college serves as a stepping stone for many students who transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce with practical skills that employers in the growing Orlando-Tampa corridor actively seek.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Full-Time Faculty: 40.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 45.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 44.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,876

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,415
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,140

View all 27 programs →

Campus Life

Lake-Sumter State College sits in Leesburg, about an hour northwest of Orlando, surrounded by lakes and rolling hills that make Central Florida feel different from the typical flat terrain. With 61.87% women and 99.44% in-state students, this community college draws mostly local Florida residents looking for an affordable start to higher education. The campus has a commuter feel since most students live off-campus and drive in for classes.

Florida's year-round warmth means you'll need sunscreen, not winter coats, though summer can get sticky. Students often study between classes in air-conditioned buildings or under covered outdoor areas. With 3,572 students and a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel more personal than at big universities, but you won't get the small seminar experience either. Weekends tend to be quiet on campus since most students head home or work jobs. The Lakehawks compete in 8 NJCAA sports with 106 total athletes, giving the school some athletic spirit. Many students treat this as a stepping stone, planning to transfer to four-year schools after completing their associate degrees at a fraction of the cost.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	3	0	0	0
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 48°–69°F
July Avg: 74°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Lake-Sumter State College serves Central Florida families looking for affordable higher education close to home. With 99.44% of students from Florida, this is a true community college that draws from the surrounding counties. Women make up 62% of students, reflecting the school's strong programs in health sciences and education that traditionally attract more female students. About 30% receive Pell Grants, showing the college fulfills its mission of serving working-class families who need job training and transfer pathways without the debt load of four-year universities.

Men: 38.1%
Women: 61.9%
White: 47.0%
Black: 12.7%
Hispanic: 29.8%
Asian: 4.0%
In-State Students: 99.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 30.0%

Location

Lake-Sumter State College sits in Leesburg, Florida, about 50 miles northwest of Orlando and 45 miles from Gainesville. The campus serves a midsize suburban area in central Florida's lake region, where rolling hills and dozens of natural lakes create a different landscape than most people expect from Florida. Leesburg itself has around 23,000 residents and offers a small-town feel while staying close enough to Orlando for internships or weekend trips. The area attracts retirees and young families, giving the region a mix of age groups. With 99.44% of students coming from in-state, most know Florida's geography well before arriving. Students considering colleges in Florida may also compare Lake-Sumter State College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Leesburg, Florida 34788-8751

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $39,876
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,107
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 47.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $72/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Lake-Sumter State College?

Lake-Sumter State College operates as an open-access community college, meaning qualified applicants are generally admitted without selective criteria. The college serves 3,572 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the central Florida community.

How much does Lake-Sumter State College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,742 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition runs just $3,292, making this one of Florida's most affordable college options for local residents.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Lake-Sumter State College?

Classes average 25 students per faculty member, which is typical for community colleges. The college emphasizes practical, career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities.

What are the graduation rates at Lake-Sumter State College?

About 45% of students graduate within four years, with similar rates at the six-year mark. Graduates earn a median salary of $39,876 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on workforce development in growing industries.

Where is Lake-Sumter State College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Leesburg, a mid-sized Florida suburb known for its lakes and outdoor recreation. With 106 student-athletes competing in 8 NJCAA sports as the Lakehawks, the campus offers a tight-knit community feel despite serving a primarily commuter population.

Does Lake-Sumter State College help students with loan debt?

Students who borrow graduate with a median debt of just $6,750, resulting in manageable monthly payments of $72. Nearly half of borrowers successfully repay their loans, and the college's focus on affordable education helps minimize financial burden for working families.