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 gives you a mixed financial picture. You'll carry about $18,500 in debt for a credential that leads to median earnings around $51,000 a decade out, which is solid for a two-year public school. But the sticker cost is the problem: nearly $20,000 a year is steep for a community college, and the 42.9% graduation rate means fewer than half of you finish. If you leave without the credential, you're stuck with debt and none of the earnings payoff.
The net price tiers here work backwards from what you'd expect. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay the least at roughly $17,300. But every income bracket above that pays the same $22,877, whether your family makes $35,000 or $200,000. There's no sliding scale for middle-income families. If you're in the $30,000 to $75,000 range, you get almost no break, and you pay more than the lowest-income students.
This school fits you if you qualify for the lowest income tier and you're committed to finishing. The debt load stays manageable against the earnings if you graduate. It's a weaker fit if your family lands in the middle brackets, because you pay the full $22,877 with no adjustment, and that changes the math on whether the return justifies the cost.
The main risk is the completion rate. At 42.9%, the odds of finishing are close to a coin flip, and the ROI only exists for the half who cross the line. Before you enroll, be honest about whether you can complete the program, because the cost is high enough that a non-finish leaves you worse off than not starting.
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.