At $19,607/yr net price, Lakes Region Community College graduates earn $51,182/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,182/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,607 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,428 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,182/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,182/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,525 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,343/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,877/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,877/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,877/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,877/yr |
The Risk Factor
42.9% of students at Lakes Region 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
Lakes Region Community College delivers mixed financial returns, with graduates earning a median of $51,182 ten years after enrollment while carrying manageable debt loads of $18,525. Your net annual cost of $19,607 creates a reasonable payback timeline for most programs, though the 43% graduation rate means completion risk runs high.
The college's health sciences programs typically offer the strongest ROI in New Hampshire's Lakes Region job market, where healthcare demand remains steady. Nursing and medical assisting graduates can expect starting salaries that justify the investment. Business and liberal arts programs show weaker returns given limited local career advancement opportunities and lower wage ceilings in the region.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the completion rate. With nearly 6 in 10 students failing to graduate, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without earning credentials. The college's rural location also limits internship and part-time work opportunities that could offset costs during enrollment.
This school works financially if you target high-demand technical programs, live locally to minimize housing costs, or plan to transfer to a four-year institution after completing prerequisites. The low percentage of students receiving aid (28%) suggests limited need-based assistance, making this a better fit for students who can pay most costs upfront or qualify for state grants.
Skip Lakes Region if you're considering programs with poor regional job prospects or if you're uncertain about completing your degree. The combination of modest local wages and significant completion risk makes this investment too risky for undecided students or those targeting oversaturated fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakes Region Community College worth the money?
With a net price of $19,607 per year and 10-year median earnings of $51,182, Lakes Region Community College provides a modest return on investment. The relatively low debt load of $18,525 helps offset the below-average graduation rate of 43%.
What is the job outlook for Lakes Region Community College graduates?
Lakes Region Community College graduates earn a median of $51,182 ten years after enrollment, which is typical for community college programs. Career outcomes vary significantly by program, with healthcare and skilled trades generally offering better employment prospects than liberal arts programs.
How much debt do Lakes Region Community College students graduate with?
The median debt for Lakes Region Community College students is $18,525, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. However, with the low 43% graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Should I choose Lakes Region Community College over a four-year school?
Lakes Region Community College makes sense if you're pursuing specific career training, need lower costs, or plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree. The school's value depends heavily on choosing a program with clear job placement outcomes rather than general studies.