At $10,975/yr net price, Lake Tahoe Community College graduates earn $36,657/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,657/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,975 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,657/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,657/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 16.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.9% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,979/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,798/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,159/yr |
The Risk Factor
41.9% of students at Lake Tahoe Community 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 Tahoe Community College delivers weak financial returns with median earnings of just $36,657 ten years after enrollment. This puts graduates well below the national median income, creating a challenging path to financial stability even with the school's relatively low net price of $10,975 annually.
The 41.90% graduation rate compounds the financial risk, meaning nearly six out of ten students leave without completing their programs. You face significant odds of paying tuition without earning a credential that meaningfully boosts your earning power in the competitive Lake Tahoe job market.
The school's location in South Lake Tahoe limits career opportunities primarily to tourism, hospitality, and seasonal work. These industries typically offer lower wages and unstable employment, which explains why graduates struggle to achieve higher earnings even a decade later. If you plan to stay in the Tahoe area long-term, these economic realities will likely cap your income potential regardless of your educational investment.
Only 14.76% of students receive financial aid, suggesting either limited need-based assistance or a student body that doesn't qualify for substantial federal aid. This creates a cash-flow challenge for many students who must cover costs upfront without significant grant support.
Lake Tahoe Community College makes financial sense only if you have specific local ties that require staying in the area and need basic credentials for entry-level positions. If you have geographic flexibility, community colleges in larger metropolitan areas offer similar programs with access to stronger job markets and higher-paying career paths. The combination of weak earnings outcomes and limited local opportunities makes this a poor ROI choice for most students seeking economic mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Tahoe Community College worth the cost?
Lake Tahoe Community College offers a low net price of around $11,000 per year, but graduates earn only $36,657 annually after 10 years. The 42% graduation rate means many students don't finish, making the investment risky for degree completion.
What is the ROI for Lake Tahoe Community College graduates?
With earnings averaging $36,657 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $10,975 annually, the financial return is modest. The low graduation rate of 42% means many students invest time and money without completing their programs.
Which programs at Lake Tahoe Community College have the best job prospects?
As a community college, Lake Tahoe CC focuses on career training and transfer preparation rather than specific high-earning programs. Students planning to transfer to four-year universities may see better long-term returns than those entering the workforce directly.
How much debt do Lake Tahoe Community College students typically graduate with?
Community college students generally graduate with lower debt loads than four-year university students. However, the 42% graduation rate at Lake Tahoe CC means many students may accumulate costs without earning a credential.