At $24,617/yr net price, Lamson Institute graduates earn $38,015/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,015/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,617 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $98,468 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,015/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,015/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 24.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,853 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,537/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,379/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,074/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,342/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,736/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $53,108 | $9,238 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $35,123 | $8,867 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $29,685 | $7,600 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,584 | $8,155 |
The Risk Factor
75.3% of students at Lamson Institute graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lamson Institute delivers strong returns for trade-focused students, with HVAC graduates earning $53,108 annually against just $9,238 in debt. This creates one of the better debt-to-income ratios you'll find among vocational programs in Texas.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. HVAC technology graduates see earnings that justify the investment, while health administration and medical assisting programs produce weaker returns with starting salaries below $30,000. The electrical program falls somewhere between, offering decent entry-level prospects in San Antonio's growing construction market.
The school's 75% graduation rate reduces your risk of paying for credits without earning a credential. However, you face the typical for-profit premium with annual costs exceeding $24,000 for a two-year program. State community colleges offer similar training for significantly less.
Lamson works best if you need flexible scheduling that traditional colleges don't provide and you're targeting high-demand trades like HVAC. The San Antonio market supports these technical roles well, with strong construction and commercial development driving demand.
Skip this school if you're considering the lower-paying health programs or if you can access similar training through community colleges. The debt load only makes sense when your chosen field commands higher wages immediately after graduation.
Financial aid reaches less than half of students here, so expect to pay closer to full price than at most schools. Focus on completing quickly to minimize total costs, and verify that any employer partnerships the school promotes actually lead to job placement in your target field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lamson Institute worth the cost for HVAC training?
Yes, Lamson Institute's HVAC program offers strong ROI with graduates earning $53,108 annually against relatively low debt of $7,853. The program cost is justified by above-average earnings in a stable trade field.
What is the average salary after graduating from Lamson Institute?
Lamson Institute graduates earn $38,015 on average 10 years after graduation. However, this varies significantly by program, with HVAC graduates earning $53,108 while medical assisting graduates earn only $27,584.
How much debt do Lamson Institute students typically have?
Lamson Institute students graduate with a median debt of $7,853, which is relatively manageable. The low debt load helps improve ROI, especially for higher-paying programs like HVAC and electrical work.
Are Lamson Institute's medical programs worth the investment?
Lamson Institute's medical programs show weaker ROI, with health administration graduates earning $29,685 and medical assisting graduates earning $27,584. These salaries may not justify the $24,617 annual cost for some students.