At $5,742/yr net price, Lake-Sumter State College graduates earn $39,876/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,876/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,742 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,968 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,876/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,876/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,393/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,718/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,445/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,776/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,136/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 | $56,415 | $8,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 | $5,914 |
The Risk Factor
44.7% of students at Lake-Sumter 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-Sumter State College delivers strong financial value for career-focused students, with a rock-bottom net price of $5,742 and manageable debt loads. Your return on investment depends heavily on your program choice.
The nursing program represents the college's financial sweet spot. Graduates earn $56,415 annually with debt of just $8,750, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio. This aligns with Florida's growing healthcare sector and the college's reputation for producing job-ready nurses.
Liberal arts graduates face a tougher financial reality, earning $20,140 with nearly $6,000 in debt. These earnings fall well below the college median and may not justify even the low costs, especially if you plan to stay in the local job market where opportunities for liberal arts graduates remain limited.
The 44.7% graduation rate creates significant risk. You could end up with debt but no degree, particularly problematic if you struggle academically or need to work while attending. The low aid percentage means most students pay out of pocket, but the affordable tuition makes this feasible for many Florida families.
This college works best for local students pursuing practical credentials like nursing, business, or technical fields where employers recognize the degree. The commuter-heavy environment and strong community college roots mean you get career preparation without university-level costs.
Avoid Lake-Sumter if you want a traditional college experience or plan to pursue graduate school where the college's limited name recognition could hurt your applications. The low earnings in liberal programs make this a poor choice for students unsure about their career direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake-Sumter State College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $5,742 annually, Lake-Sumter State College offers one of the lowest net prices in Florida, making it a solid financial choice for students who complete their programs. However, the 44.7% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which eliminates any cost advantage.
What Lake-Sumter State College programs have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Lake-Sumter State College lead to median earnings of $56,415, which provides strong return on investment. Liberal arts graduates earn a median of $20,140, which may not justify even the low tuition costs.
How much debt do Lake-Sumter State College graduates typically have?
Lake-Sumter State College graduates carry a median debt of $6,750, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. This low debt load helps offset the relatively modest post-graduation earnings for most programs.
Do Lake-Sumter State College graduates earn enough to justify the investment?
Lake-Sumter State College graduates earn a median of $39,876 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable given the low costs. The key risk is the high dropout rate, as students who don't graduate see no return on their investment.