Lane College: $11,790 Tuition

$11,790Tuition

822Students

17%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$31,670Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIData: 2023-24HBCUChristian Methodist Episcopal

About Lane College

Lane College has educated students in west Tennessee since 1882 as a Christian Methodist Episcopal institution. The school enrolls 822 students in Jackson, a small city setting that provides both community feel and urban resources. This historically black college built its reputation on teacher education and liberal arts programs, continuing a mission that spans over 140 years. Nearly 80% of students are Black, reflecting the school's HBCU heritage and commitment to serving underrepresented communities.

Students pay an average net price of $14,494 after financial aid, with 79% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $31,670 ten years after completing their degree, while carrying typical debt loads of $30,500. The monthly loan payment of $323 represents a significant portion of early-career earnings, as recent graduates start with median salaries around $25,137. This creates financial pressure that shows in the 13% loan repayment rate.

The Dragons compete in NCAA Division II with 12 varsity sports and 237 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total over $1 million annually. However, academic outcomes present challenges, with only 17% of students graduating within six years and a 45% retention rate. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio suggests reasonable class sizes, but completion rates indicate students face significant hurdles finishing their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Lane College builds its academic reputation around teacher education and liberal arts programs that serve its mission as a historically black institution. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentorship, though the 17% graduation rate suggests many students face significant challenges completing their degrees. Founded by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1882, the college emphasizes preparing educators and community leaders. Students benefit from small classes and personal attention from professors. The retention rate of 45% indicates that while many students receive individualized support, academic and financial pressures often interrupt their college journey. Lane's programs focus on developing critical thinking skills and cultural awareness within a supportive HBCU environment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 17.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 17.0%
Retention Rate: 45.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $31,670
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

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Campus Life

Lane College sits in Jackson, Tennessee, about 80 miles northeast of Memphis and 120 miles west of Nashville. The campus houses 1,142 students in its residence halls, though total enrollment is just 822, creating a close-knit community where nearly everyone lives on campus. You'll need a light jacket for Tennessee winters, but the mild climate means outdoor activities happen year-round.

The Dragons compete in 12 varsity sports with 237 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus life. Nearly 80% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to serving first-generation college students. With 79% of the student body being Black, Lane maintains its HBCU traditions through homecoming celebrations, step shows, and community service projects rooted in Christian Methodist Episcopal values. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles get personal attention. Weekends often center around sporting events, campus ministry activities, and trips to Jackson's downtown area or nearby Natchez Trace State Park for outdoor recreation.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 1,142 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1882

Campus Safety (2023)

33 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	13	13
Domestic Violence	6	0
Arson	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 28°–48°F
July Avg: 68°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 154.3"
Annual Snowfall: 7.8"

Student Demographics

Lane College draws primarily Black students from Tennessee and neighboring states, with 822 students enrolled who represent the school's mission as a historically Black institution. About 79% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income families. The student body skews slightly male at 57%, which aligns with the school's strong athletics program featuring 12 varsity sports. Most students come from within Tennessee, giving Lane College deep roots in the local community while maintaining its Christian Methodist Episcopal heritage that has guided the institution since 1882.

Men: 56.6%
Women: 43.4%
White: 1.8%
Black: 79.4%
Hispanic: 3.3%
Asian: 0.2%
In-State Students: 56.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 79.4%

Location

Lane College sits in Jackson, Tennessee, a city of about 68,000 people located 80 miles northeast of Memphis. The campus occupies 25 acres in this west Tennessee center that serves as a regional center for healthcare and education. Jackson's downtown area has undergone recent revitalization efforts, though the city maintains its small-town character with tree-lined neighborhoods surrounding the college. The region features rolling hills and farmland typical of rural Tennessee. Jackson offers more amenities than many small college towns, including shopping centers and restaurants that cater to the area's several higher education institutions. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Lane College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Jackson, Tennessee 38301-4598

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $31,670
Median Earnings (5 years): $35,387
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 12.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $323/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $30,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body like at Lane College?

Lane College enrolls 822 students with a 56.57% male to 43.43% female ratio. As a historically black college, 79.44% of students are Black, creating a strong community focused on academic achievement and cultural heritage. The campus draws students primarily from Tennessee and surrounding states.

How much does Lane College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,494 per year despite tuition of $11,790. Nearly 80% of students receive financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying the same net price. The total cost of attendance reaches $20,100 when including room and board.

What are the academics like at Lane College?

Lane College maintains a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in small classes. The college operates on a semester system and has built its reputation around teacher education and liberal arts programs. Students benefit from close mentorship relationships with faculty members.

What do Lane College graduates earn after college?

Lane College graduates earn a median salary of $31,670 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 94.1%, showing strong job placement despite the college's focus on service-oriented fields like education. However, graduates typically carry $30,500 in median debt with monthly loan payments of $323.

Where is Lane College located and what is campus life like?

Lane College sits in Jackson, Tennessee, a small city that provides an intimate college town atmosphere. The campus houses 1,142 students in residence halls, fostering a tight-knit community experience. As a Christian Methodist Episcopal institution founded in 1882, the college emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual development.

Does Lane College have strong athletic programs?

Lane College Dragons compete in NCAA Division II within the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The college fields 12 varsity sports with 237 total athletes and awards $1,003,706 in athletic scholarships. Athletics play a central role in campus life and school pride at this HBCU.