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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a payoff that depends almost entirely on which program you pick. At roughly $7,557 a year, the price is manageable, and median debt stays under $15,000. But the median earnings ten years out sit below $40,000, and the 23% graduation rate means finishing is the real gamble here.
The health programs are where the money is. Registered Nursing pays back over $52,000, and the allied health and medical lab tracks both clear $47,000. These are associate degrees tied directly to hospital and clinic jobs across Northeast Ohio, so the credential maps to actual local hiring. Dental support pays less but comes with the lowest debt on the list, under $10,000, which makes it one of the safest bets for your dollar.
Business Administration is the outlier to avoid. It carries the highest debt of any program here, over $22,000, while paying the least at around $37,000. You would borrow more and earn less than in any health track. If business is your plan, this associate degree alone does not justify the cost.
The biggest financial risk is not finishing. With fewer than one in four students graduating, you could take on debt and leave without the credential that makes the healthcare salaries possible. Cost climbs for higher earners too: if your family makes over $75,000, you pay around $11,000 a year, close to double the under-$30k rate.
This school fits you if you want a nursing or allied health credential and plan to work locally. If you are aiming at a business career or unsure you will finish, the low sticker price will not protect you from a weak return.
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.