At $1,691/yr net price, Lamar State College-Orange graduates earn $36,587/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,587/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,691 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $6,764 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,587/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,587/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,959 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $560/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,033/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $1,424/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,610/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,109/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 | $65,765 | $19,146 |
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $56,415 | $10,787 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,668 | $12,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $28,055 |
The Risk Factor
31.2% of students at Lamar State College-Orange graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Lamar State College-Orange delivers strong financial returns for healthcare students but leaves graduates in other programs struggling to justify their investment. With a net price of just $1,691 annually, the school offers one of the most affordable pathways to career training in Texas.
Your program choice determines everything here. Registered nursing graduates earn $65,765 annually, making their $19,146 debt burden manageable within three years. Physical science technology students also see solid returns at $56,415 yearly earnings. These programs tap into Southeast Texas's petrochemical industry and healthcare demand, creating reliable job prospects.
The financial picture turns grim outside healthcare and technical fields. With overall median earnings of $36,587 and a troubling 31% graduation rate, most students either drop out or graduate into low-paying jobs. Dental support graduates earn just $28,055, barely above the poverty line for families.
You face significant completion risk at this school. Nearly 70% of students never finish their programs, meaning you could waste time and money without credentials to show for it. The low graduation rate signals either inadequate support systems or students unprepared for college-level work.
This school works financially if you can secure admission to nursing or physical science programs and have the academic preparation to complete them. The combination of rock-bottom tuition and strong regional job markets in these fields creates genuine opportunity. For other programs or students uncertain about their ability to graduate, the risk outweighs the minimal cost savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lamar State College-Orange worth the cost?
With a net price of just $1,691 per year and median debt under $11,000, Lamar State College-Orange offers solid value for specific career-focused programs. However, the 31% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at Lamar State College-Orange?
Registered nursing graduates earn around $65,765 annually, making it the strongest ROI program at Lamar State College-Orange. Physical science technology programs also pay well at $56,415, while other nursing tracks like practical nursing earn $36,668.
How much debt do Lamar State College-Orange graduates have?
Graduates from Lamar State College-Orange carry a median debt of $10,959, which is manageable given the low annual cost. The bigger financial risk is not graduating at all, since only 31% of students complete their programs.
Are Lamar State College-Orange graduates getting good jobs?
Average earnings of $36,587 ten years after enrollment are modest but reasonable for a community college, especially in nursing and technical fields. The key is choosing the right program and actually finishing, since most students don't graduate.