Lakes Region Community College: $6,720 Tuition

$6,720Tuition

493Students

43%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$51,182Earnings

#5 in New HampshirePublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Lakes Region Community College

Lakes Region Community College serves New Hampshire's scenic Lakes Region with practical, career-focused programs that get students into the workforce quickly. The college enrolls 493 students in a town setting that balances small-community feel with access to outdoor recreation. Students choose between direct-entry career programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities.

The financial picture makes sense for most students. The average net price hits $19,607, but graduates earn a median of $51,182 ten years after starting college. Students typically borrow $18,525, leading to manageable monthly payments of $196. Only 28% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the college serves a mix of working-class and middle-income families. In-state students pay $6,720 for tuition, while the small percentage of out-of-state students (11%) face $14,970 in tuition costs.

The student body leans male at 56%, reflecting the college's strong programs in trades and technical fields. With 89% of students coming from New Hampshire, the campus has a distinctly local character. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 43% six-year graduation rate suggests students often balance college with work or family responsibilities.

Academics & Faculty

Lakes Region Community College focuses on career-ready programs that prepare students for New Hampshire's job market. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means personal attention from instructors who often bring industry experience to the classroom. Popular programs include nursing, automotive technology, and business administration, reflecting the region's healthcare and service economy needs. The 42.90% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or take breaks for work. Students can earn associate degrees or certificates in fields like culinary arts and early childhood education. Transfer agreements with state universities allow students to continue their education while saving money on their first two years.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 33.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 42.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,182

Campus Life

The Lakes Region sits about 90 minutes north of Boston, surrounded by New Hampshire's lake country where students need serious winter gear from November through March. Only 14% of the 493 students live in the limited on-campus housing that holds 70 residents. Most students commute from surrounding towns, creating a campus that empties out after afternoon classes.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally. Students gather in the small student center between classes, but weekends revolve around outdoor activities rather than campus events. Lake Winnipesaukee offers swimming and boating in warmer months, while nearby ski areas draw students during New Hampshire's long winters. With 89% of students coming from in-state, many already have established friend groups and part-time jobs in the region. The career-focused programs mean classmates are often working adults balancing school with family responsibilities. Evening study groups happen more often than late-night parties, reflecting the practical mindset of students preparing for immediate entry into the workforce.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 70 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 11°–29°F
July Avg: 60°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.2"
Annual Snowfall: 56.1"

Student Demographics

This small New Hampshire community college draws primarily local students, with nearly 90% coming from in-state. The student body of 493 reflects the school's role as a regional educational center for the Lakes Region. Men slightly outnumber women, likely reflecting the college's strong technical and trades programs that traditionally attract male students. About 28% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The overwhelmingly white student population mirrors the demographics of rural New Hampshire, where Lakes Region serves as an accessible pathway to both workforce entry and four-year college transfer.

Men: 55.8%
Women: 44.2%
White: 79.9%
Black: 0.8%
Hispanic: 6.5%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 88.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.2%

Location

Lakes Region Community College sits in Laconia, New Hampshire, about 90 miles north of Boston. The school serves New Hampshire's scenic Lakes Region, where Winnipesaukee and other pristine lakes draw summer tourists and year-round outdoor enthusiasts. Laconia itself is a classic New England town of roughly 16,000 residents that balances small-town charm with seasonal recreation activities. The 493 enrolled students experience a close-knit campus environment with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. Nearly 89% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational center. The region offers hiking, boating, and winter sports but lacks the urban amenities of larger college towns. Students considering colleges in New Hampshire may also compare Lakes Region Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Laconia, New Hampshire 03246

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $51,182
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,161
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $34,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 49.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $196/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,525

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Lakes Region Community College?

Lakes Region Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The small enrollment of 493 students creates an intimate learning environment in New Hampshire's Lakes Region. Nearly 89% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role serving local communities.

How much does Lakes Region Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $19,607, though only 28% of students receive financial aid. In-state tuition runs $6,720 while out-of-state students pay $14,970. The relatively low percentage receiving aid suggests many students can afford the published tuition rates.

What is the student-faculty ratio like at Lakes Region Community College?

The college maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small classes. This intimate academic setting supports the college's career-focused programs and transfer preparation. The small size allows faculty to work closely with students on both technical skills and academic fundamentals.

What do graduates of Lakes Region Community College typically earn?

Graduates earn a median of $51,182 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the value of the college's career-oriented programs. The graduation rate stands at 43%, which is reasonable for a community college serving working students and those balancing multiple responsibilities. Graduates carry a manageable median debt of $18,525.

Does Lakes Region Community College offer on-campus housing?

The college provides limited housing with capacity for just 70 students at $11,416 for room and board. Most of the 493 enrolled students commute from the surrounding Lakes Region communities. The small residential component creates a tight-knit campus community for those who do live on campus.

What makes Lakes Region Community College unique in New Hampshire?

The college serves as the primary higher education institution for New Hampshire's scenic Lakes Region, offering both career training and transfer pathways. With 56% male enrollment, it attracts more men than typical for higher education, likely due to its strong technical and trades programs. The loan repayment rate of 49% indicates graduates generally find stable employment in the region's tourism and manufacturing sectors.