At $15,866/yr net price, Lancaster County Career and Technology Center graduates earn $44,566/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,566/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,866 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,464 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,566/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,566/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,617/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,246/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,562/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,268/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,433/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $40,391 | $15,590 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $36,221 | $9,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,048 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $26,353 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $16,478 |
The Risk Factor
75.0% of students at Lancaster County Career and Technology Center graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lancaster County Career and Technology Center delivers solid financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $44,566 and relatively low debt loads of $15,250. Your investment pays off quickly in a regional job market that values skilled trades and healthcare support roles.
Practical nursing leads your earning potential at $40,391 annually with manageable debt of $15,590, making it the strongest financial choice at this school. Precision metal working offers the best debt-to-earnings ratio at $36,221 in income with just $9,500 in debt. These programs align well with Lancaster County's manufacturing base and healthcare sector demand.
Avoid veterinary technology if maximizing income matters to you. At $16,478 annually, graduates earn far below the school's median and struggle to justify even the modest debt load. Allied health and dental support programs fall into middle ground with earnings around $26,000 to $27,000.
This school works best if you want quick entry into stable, middle-income careers without the time and expense of a four-year degree. The 75% graduation rate suggests most students complete their programs successfully. With nearly half of students receiving financial aid, affordability remains accessible for working-class families.
Skip this school if you need higher earning potential or prefer white-collar career paths. The earnings ceiling caps around $40,000 for top programs, limiting long-term wealth building compared to bachelor's degree alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lancaster County Career and Technology Center worth the cost?
With a net price of $15,866 per year and graduates earning $44,566 after 10 years, the school provides decent value for career training. The relatively low median debt of $15,250 makes it financially manageable for most students.
Which programs at Lancaster County Career and Technology Center have the best ROI?
Practical Nursing offers the strongest return with graduates earning $40,391, followed by Precision Metal Working at $36,221. Avoid Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies, where graduates earn just $16,478 despite similar training costs.
How much debt do Lancaster County Career and Technology Center graduates typically have?
The median debt is $15,250, which is manageable given the school's focus on practical job training. Most graduates can pay this off within a few years if they enter higher-paying programs like nursing or precision metalworking.
What is the graduation rate at Lancaster County Career and Technology Center?
The graduation rate is 75%, which is solid for a career-focused institution. This suggests most students complete their programs, though success varies significantly by field of study.