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 is a low-cost, low-debt option, and that's the strongest part of its financial case. You leave with a median debt of $6,750, less than one year of the median $39,876 salary. That earnings figure is modest, but the small debt load keeps your downside limited if the paycheck disappoints.
The catch is the 44.70% graduation rate. Fewer than half of you finish, and if you drop out you still owe for the credits you took while missing the earnings bump a completed degree brings. That completion risk, not debt, is the biggest financial threat here.
No program-level salary data is listed, so treat the $39,876 median as a whole-school average and expect wide variation by field. Career-track and transfer paths at a school like this will land in very different places, and you should ask the college for outcomes by program before committing.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $48k, you pay under $4,800 a year. Cross into the $48-75k band and the price jumps to $7,445, and above $110k you pay $11,136 -- more than double the lowest tier. The aid tapers off fast as income rises.
This school fits you if you're in-state, cost-sensitive, and either finishing an associate-level program or transferring to a four-year school later. If you need a degree that pushes earnings well above $40k straight out, the flat median here should make you look at where you'd transfer and what that final degree pays before you count on Lake-Sumter alone.
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.