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 gives you a low-debt path into technical careers, and the median debt of $12,775 stays well under what a single year of most four-year schools costs. The financial return leans practical: your payoff depends heavily on which program you pick, and the gap between the best and worst options here is wide.
The electrical engineering technologies associate degree is the clear winner, paying nearly $20,000 more per year than the IT administration program. That's a Duluth-area advantage tied to the region's power, industrial, and mining infrastructure. Nursing pays well too, but you take on the highest debt load of any program here, so the return is real but not free. Allied health and dental support land in the middle with modest debt, making them safe bets. IT administration sits at the bottom for earnings while still costing you money to enter.
The main risk is the 38% graduation rate. If you leave without finishing, you keep the debt and lose the credential that makes these salaries possible, and more than half of students don't graduate here. Pick a program with a direct job pipeline and treat completion as the whole point.
Net price rises sharply once your family income passes $75k, jumping to over $19,000 a year, while families under $30k pay closer to $11,861. If your family earns under $48k, the math works in your favor and the technical programs pay back fast. Higher-income families pay near-full price for a two-year credential and should weigh whether the target career justifies it.
This school fits you if you want a specific technical or health credential and plan to work in the region. Look elsewhere if you're unsure of your major, since the low-earning programs here don't leave much room to recover the cost.
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.