At $8,579/yr net price, Lakeshore Technical College graduates earn $47,113/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,113/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,579 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,113/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,113/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,851/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,381/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,442/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,114/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,632/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 | $51,273 | $9,000 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $39,369 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $34,704 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $30,228 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | $10,400 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $29,503 | $6,999 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $26,353 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $25,194 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $21,508 | $5,661 |
The Risk Factor
42.8% of students at Lakeshore Technical 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
Lakeshore Technical College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year school, with graduates earning a median of $47,113 annually while carrying just $7,000 in debt. The low debt burden makes this one of Wisconsin's more affordable paths to career training.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $51,273 despite slightly higher debt loads of $9,000. Precision metal working and allied health programs also generate strong returns at around $39,369, making these technical fields your best bets for maximizing earnings potential. Criminal justice graduates earn $34,704, which remains reasonable given the low debt levels, though health administration trails at $30,228.
The main financial risk here is the 42.8% graduation rate. Nearly six out of ten students leave without completing their programs, meaning you could end up with debt but no credential. This makes program selection and academic preparation critical to your success.
Lakeshore works best financially if you're committed to completing a healthcare or skilled trades program and can handle the academic demands. The college receives limited financial aid participation at just 18.29% of students, suggesting either low need among the student body or potential missed opportunities for aid.
Skip this school if you're uncertain about your program choice or lack strong study habits, since the completion rate suggests many students struggle to finish. The low net price of $8,579 makes it accessible, but only if you actually graduate with your credential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lakeshore Technical College worth the cost?
With a net price of $8,579 per year and median debt of just $7,000, Lakeshore Technical College offers solid value for students who graduate. However, the 43% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly increases the cost per completed degree.
What are the highest paying programs at Lakeshore Technical College?
Nursing programs at Lakeshore Technical College provide the best financial returns, with graduates earning around $51,273 annually. Precision metalworking also pays well at $39,369, while criminal justice graduates earn a lower $34,704.
How much debt do Lakeshore Technical College graduates have?
Lakeshore Technical College graduates have a median debt of $7,000, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load makes the investment less risky compared to four-year colleges.
Do Lakeshore Technical College graduates get good jobs?
Graduates earn an average of $47,113 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for technical college programs. The nursing and skilled trades programs tend to have better job prospects than the lower-paying administrative programs.