At $4,887/yr net price, Lamar State College-Port Arthur graduates earn $37,120/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,120/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,887 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $19,548 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,120/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,120/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,572/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,937/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,828/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,837/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,136/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 | $57,318 | $15,750 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $30,554 | |
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
30.2% of students at Lamar State College-Port Arthur 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-Port Arthur delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $37,120 ten years after enrollment and a concerning 30% graduation rate. Your investment faces serious completion risk at this school.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates earning $57,318 annually. This represents solid returns on the $4,887 annual net price, though nursing students carry slightly higher debt loads at $15,750. If you can handle the academic rigor and complete the program, nursing offers your best path to financial success here.
Every other major struggles financially. Practical nursing graduates earn $30,554, while physical science technicians make $29,685. Liberal arts students face the worst outcomes at $25,194 annually. These earnings barely justify even the low cost of attendance when you factor in opportunity costs and completion risks.
The low graduation rate creates significant financial risk regardless of your major choice. With only 3 in 10 students completing their programs, you face real danger of accumulating debt without earning a credential. This school works best for highly motivated students with clear career goals in nursing or those using it as an affordable stepping stone to four-year institutions.
Financial aid reaches less than 29% of students, limiting your options for reducing costs further. The relatively low debt levels reflect the school's affordability, but they also signal that many students leave without completing programs.
Choose this school only if you gain admission to nursing, need the lowest possible costs for general education credits, or require the geographic convenience. Students seeking better completion rates and career prospects should consider other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lamar State College-Port Arthur worth the cost?
At $4,887 per year, Lamar State College-Port Arthur offers affordable tuition, but graduates earn only $37,120 ten years later. The nursing programs justify the cost with $57,318 average earnings, while other programs struggle to provide strong returns.
What are the best paying programs at Lamar State College-Port Arthur?
Registered nursing graduates from Lamar State College-Port Arthur earn $57,318 on average, making it the clear winner for ROI. Practical nursing pays $30,554, while liberal arts graduates earn just $25,194.
How much debt do Lamar State College-Port Arthur students graduate with?
Typical graduates leave Lamar State College-Port Arthur with $13,250 in debt. With post-graduation earnings of $37,120, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Lamar State College-Port Arthur?
Only 30.2% of students graduate from Lamar State College-Port Arthur. This low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a credential, significantly increasing the financial risk.