At $7,557/yr net price, Lakeland Community College graduates earn $39,612/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,612/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,557 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,228 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,612/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,612/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 23.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,751 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,291/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,423/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,787/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,052/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,005/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 | $52,941 | $17,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,331 | $15,987 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $47,260 | $15,406 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $42,802 | $9,950 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $37,424 | $22,178 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $21,508 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,530 | $10,852 |
The Risk Factor
23.1% of students at Lakeland Community 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
Lakeland Community College delivers strong returns for healthcare students but weak outcomes for most other programs. Your financial success depends entirely on your major choice.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $52,941 annually against reasonable debt loads of $17,500. Allied health diagnostic programs and clinical lab science also provide solid returns, both clearing $47,000 in median earnings. These healthcare tracks justify the investment and align well with Northeast Ohio's medical sector demand.
Business programs present a concerning picture. Despite carrying the highest debt burden at $22,178, business graduates earn just $37,424 annually. This creates an unfavorable debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment challenging.
The 23% graduation rate signals significant completion risk. Three out of four students leave without credentials, often carrying debt with no degree to show for it. This makes Lakeland particularly risky if you're uncertain about your commitment or academic preparation.
You should consider Lakeland if you're focused on healthcare careers and can handle the program requirements. The low net price of $7,557 makes it accessible, though only 22% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance.
Avoid Lakeland if you're considering business programs or lack clear career direction. The combination of low graduation rates and poor returns in non-healthcare fields creates substantial financial risk. Students unsure about healthcare should explore four-year options or community colleges with stronger completion rates and more diverse high-earning programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakeland Community College worth the money?
Lakeland Community College offers decent value for healthcare programs, with nursing graduates earning around $52,941 annually against a low net price of $7,557 per year. However, the 23% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly hurts the return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Lakeland Community College?
Nursing programs at Lakeland Community College provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning $52,941 per year. Allied health and lab science programs also pay well at $49,331 and $47,260 respectively, while business programs lag at $37,424.
How much debt do Lakeland Community College graduates have?
Lakeland Community College graduates typically carry $14,751 in debt, which is manageable for healthcare program graduates but creates financial strain for those in lower-paying business programs. The low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing their degrees.
Does Lakeland Community College have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects at Lakeland Community College depend heavily on your program choice. Healthcare graduates, especially nurses, find steady employment with decent wages, but the overall 10-year median earnings of $39,612 reflects mixed outcomes across all programs.