At $16,050/yr net price, Lake Superior College graduates earn $46,449/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,449/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,050 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $64,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,449/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,449/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,775 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,861/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,030/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,523/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,162/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,850/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $65,332 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,197 | $20,125 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,963 | $15,684 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $44,984 | $13,000 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $42,682 | $13,500 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $42,123 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,721 | $13,000 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $34,704 | $11,000 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
38.2% of students at Lake Superior College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Lake Superior College delivers solid returns for students who pick the right programs, but your major choice makes all the difference at this Duluth community college. The electrical engineering technology program stands out with graduates earning $65,332 annually, while nursing graduates pull in $51,197 despite carrying higher debt loads of $20,125.
The college's overall graduation rate of 38% presents a real risk that you might not complete your program. This matters more at Lake Superior than at four-year schools because you need that credential to access the higher-paying technical jobs the college trains for. If you struggle with course completion or lack strong study habits, the financial bet becomes riskier.
Your best bets are the healthcare and technical programs where regional demand stays strong. Duluth's healthcare systems and the broader Iron Range industrial base create steady demand for nurses, dental hygienists, and engineering technicians. The computer technology program offers decent returns at $42,682 with manageable debt of $13,500.
Lake Superior works financially if you're career-focused and know exactly what you want to study. The low net price of $16,050 and median debt of just $12,775 make this an affordable way to gain marketable skills quickly. However, only 19% of students receive financial aid, so you'll likely pay close to sticker price.
Skip this college if you're undecided about your career path or considering transfer to a four-year school. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle here, and you'd be better served at a school with stronger support systems if you need help figuring out your direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Superior College worth the cost?
Lake Superior College offers reasonable value for career-focused programs, with a net price of $16,050 and median debt of just $12,775. However, the 38% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $46,449 after 10 years are modest.
What are the highest paying programs at Lake Superior College?
Electrical engineering technology graduates earn around $65,332, making it the top-paying program at Lake Superior College. Nursing and allied health programs also provide solid returns, with registered nurses earning about $51,197.
How much debt do Lake Superior College graduates have?
Lake Superior College graduates have relatively low debt, with a median of $12,775. This manageable debt load helps improve the return on investment compared to more expensive colleges.
What is the graduation rate at Lake Superior College?
Lake Superior College has a 38% graduation rate, which means nearly two-thirds of students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.