At $10,328/yr net price, Lamar Community College graduates earn $38,719/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,719/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,328 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $41,312 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,719/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,719/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,984/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,423/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,693/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,588/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,116/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 | $53,697 | |
| Construction Trades, General. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 | $7,892 |
The Risk Factor
41.4% of students at Lamar 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
Lamar Community College delivers a mixed financial return that heavily depends on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $53,697 annually against median debt of just $8,750 across all programs. This creates a strong payback scenario that justifies the investment.
Construction trades offers moderate returns at $26,353 yearly, which works reasonably well for a two-year program in rural Colorado's job market. However, the liberal arts program presents concerning numbers with graduates earning only $18,771 annually. At that income level, even the relatively low debt load becomes burdensome.
The 41% graduation rate signals completion risk that you need to factor into your calculations. Nearly six out of ten students don't finish, meaning your investment could yield zero return if you don't complete your program.
Financial aid coverage is limited, with only 32% of students receiving assistance. This means most students pay the full $10,328 annual net price out of pocket or through loans. Merit scholarship opportunities appear scarce based on the low aid participation rates.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing and can handle the program's demands. The nursing track offers genuine career advancement in a field with strong regional demand. Construction trades work for hands-on learners seeking stable blue-collar careers. However, you should avoid the liberal arts program unless you're certain about transferring to a four-year school, as the standalone economics don't work. Students unsure about program completion or those needing significant financial aid should consider other options with higher graduation rates and better support systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lamar Community College worth the cost?
Lamar Community College offers reasonable value with a net price of $10,328 and low median debt of $8,750. However, the 41% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $38,719 after 10 years may not justify the cost for all programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Lamar Community College?
Nursing programs at Lamar Community College lead to the highest earnings at $53,697 annually, making them the clear best ROI option. Construction trades graduates earn $26,353, while liberal arts graduates average only $18,771.
How much debt do Lamar Community College students typically graduate with?
Lamar Community College graduates carry a median debt of $8,750, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load helps improve the overall return on investment, especially for higher-paying programs like nursing.
What is the graduation rate at Lamar Community College?
Only 41% of students graduate from Lamar Community College, which means most students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's value proposition and increases the risk of debt without a degree.