Lake Tahoe Community College: $1,131 Tuition

$1,131Tuition

2,909Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,657Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentData: 2023-24

About Lake Tahoe Community College

This mountain community college draws 2,909 students who want to study where others vacation. Lake Tahoe Community College specializes in outdoor recreation, hospitality, and transfer preparation programs that match the region's economy. The rural-fringe setting means students can ski in winter and hike in summer while earning their degrees. About 88% of students come from California, reflecting the school's role as a local educational center.

Students pay an average net price of $10,975, making this an affordable option for exploring career paths or preparing to transfer. In-state tuition costs just $1,131, though room and board adds $11,751 for the limited on-campus housing. Graduates earn a median of $36,657 ten years after starting, which represents solid returns for a two-year investment. Only 1.5% of students take federal loans, suggesting most can afford their education without significant debt.

The student body skews heavily male at 67%, likely reflecting the outdoor recreation focus. With just 54 total athletes across six varsity sports, the Coyotes compete as independents rather than in a major conference. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but the quarter system allows students to progress quickly through their programs.

Academics & Faculty

Lake Tahoe Community College serves the unique needs of its mountain resort community with programs tailored to local industries. The college specializes in outdoor recreation leadership, hospitality management, and ski area operations that prepare students for careers in the Tahoe basin's tourism economy. With 2,909 students and a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain accessible though larger than typical community colleges. The 41.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenge many students face balancing academics with seasonal work in the area's ski resorts and summer recreation businesses. Transfer preparation remains strong for students planning to continue at four-year universities after completing their associate degrees.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Full-Time Faculty: 19.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,657

Campus Life

The Sierra Nevada mountains tower over this small campus where 2,909 students study just miles from Lake Tahoe's pristine waters. Only 30 students can live in campus housing, so most commute from the surrounding resort town or nearby communities. Winter brings heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that require serious winter gear, while summers are mild and perfect for outdoor activities. Students are 66% male, reflecting the area's outdoor recreation and hospitality programs.

South Lake Tahoe sits about 200 miles from San Francisco, making it feel wonderfully isolated from urban distractions. The campus operates on a quarter system with a 22:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Weekends often mean hitting the slopes at nearby Heavenly or Northstar ski resorts, hiking mountain trails, or working at local casinos and hotels where many students find employment. The outdoor recreation program attracts adventure-seekers who want to turn their passion for skiing, snowboarding, and mountain sports into careers. Campus life revolves around the stunning natural setting that makes studying here feel like living in a year-round vacation destination.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 30 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1975

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–42°F
July Avg: 42°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 20.5"
Annual Snowfall: 21.8"

Student Demographics

Lake Tahoe Community College draws primarily local students, with 88% coming from California. The student body skews heavily male at two-thirds, reflecting the school's focus on outdoor recreation and hospitality programs that traditionally attract more men. Only 15% receive Pell Grants, suggesting students come from middle-income families rather than the lowest economic brackets. The college serves a diverse mountain community, with significant Hispanic representation at 29% alongside a white majority. Most students are working adults and recent high school graduates seeking career training or planning to transfer to four-year universities.

Men: 66.6%
Women: 33.4%
White: 42.8%
Black: 4.7%
Hispanic: 29.0%
Asian: 6.8%
In-State Students: 87.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 14.8%

Location

South Lake Tahoe sits on the California-Nevada border about 200 miles northeast of San Francisco and 60 miles southwest of Reno. The college serves just under 3,000 students in one of the most scenic mountain communities in the country. Lake Tahoe's crystal-clear alpine lake draws millions of tourists annually for skiing, hiking, and water sports. The area operates as a year-round resort destination with major ski resorts like Heavenly and Kirkwood nearby. Nearly 88% of students come from in-state, many drawn to programs that connect directly to the region's outdoor recreation and hospitality industries. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Lake Tahoe Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: South Lake Tahoe, California 96150

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,657
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,604
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,900

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Lake Tahoe Community College?

Lake Tahoe Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming all students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The school serves 2,909 students with 87.83% coming from California. As a community college focused on transfer preparation and local workforce needs, LTCC provides accessible higher education to the Lake Tahoe region.

How much does Lake Tahoe Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,975 annually at Lake Tahoe Community College. In-state tuition runs just $1,131, though only 14.76% of students receive federal Pell Grants. The college keeps costs low as a community college option in an otherwise expensive resort area.

What academic programs is Lake Tahoe Community College known for?

Lake Tahoe Community College operates on a quarter system with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio. The school specializes in outdoor recreation, hospitality, and transfer preparation programs that align with the region's tourism economy. Students benefit from the unique mountain setting that enhances hands-on learning in these fields.

What are the graduation and career outcomes at Lake Tahoe Community College?

Lake Tahoe Community College graduates 41.90% of students within six years, which is solid for a community college. Alumni earn a median salary of $36,657 ten years after enrollment. The earnings reflect the local service economy centered around Lake Tahoe's year-round tourism industry.

Does Lake Tahoe Community College have on-campus housing?

Lake Tahoe Community College offers very limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 30 students. Room and board costs $11,751 annually for the few spots available. Most of the 2,909 students commute or find housing in the surrounding South Lake Tahoe community.

What sports does Lake Tahoe Community College offer?

Lake Tahoe Community College fields six varsity sports with 54 total student-athletes competing as the Coyotes. The athletic program operates independently without conference affiliation and offers no athletic scholarships. Sports programs take advantage of the Sierra Nevada setting for outdoor-focused activities.