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 gives you a mixed financial picture: a strong 75% graduation rate and low $15,250 median debt, but a $44,566 median earnings figure that sits close to what many high school graduates already make. The value here depends almost entirely on which program you pick.
Practical Nursing is the clear winner. It pays the most of any program here and leaves you with debt you can cover on that salary. Precision Metal Working is the smarter debt play , you finish owing under $10,000, the lowest of any program listed, and step into a Lancaster-area manufacturing job market that needs skilled machinists. Both are certificates, so you spend less time and money before you start earning.
The lower-earning programs are where you should stop and think. Allied Health and Medical Assisting and Dental Support Services both leave you earning in the mid-$20,000s. The Veterinary Technologies associate degree is the worst return on this list at $16,478 , you spend two years and finish earning near minimum wage. If animal care is your goal, know going in that this credential does not pay for itself quickly.
The main financial risk is program choice, not the school. Pick nursing or metalworking and the math works. Pick vet tech and it does not.
The net price tiers are unusual: families earning over $110k pay $20,433, while those under $30k pay $14,617. Your price rises with income here, so higher-earning families see less benefit and should compare against other options. If you are lower-income and set on nursing or the trades, this is a low-cost, high-completion path worth taking.
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.