At $14,494/yr net price, Lane College graduates earn $31,670/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,494 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,976 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,670/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,330/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $30,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,494/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $23,340 | $34,025 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $21,508 | $36,438 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $19,455 | $36,500 |
The Risk Factor
17.0% of students at Lane College 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
Lane College delivers poor financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of just $31,670 ten years after graduation and a catastrophic 17% graduation rate, your chances of completing your degree and earning enough to justify the cost are slim.
The school's top-earning program, Business Administration, pays only $23,340 annually while saddling graduates with $34,025 in debt. Criminal Justice graduates face even worse prospects at $19,455 per year with $36,500 in debt. These earnings barely exceed what you could make with a high school diploma in many markets, making the debt burden particularly punishing.
The 45% retention rate signals serious problems with student support or academic preparation. Nearly half of students leave after their first year, often with debt but no degree to show for it. This creates a high risk of taking on educational debt without receiving any corresponding benefit.
Lane College might work for students with substantial family financial support who prioritize the specific cultural environment over financial returns. If you qualify for significant need-based aid that reduces your net price well below the $14,494 average, the risk decreases somewhat.
However, most students should look elsewhere. Community college followed by transfer to a public four-year institution would likely provide better job prospects at lower cost. The combination of low graduation rates, modest earnings, and significant debt creates a financial profile that favors alternatives over Lane College for the majority of prospective students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lane College worth the cost?
Lane College graduates earn a median of $31,670 ten years after enrollment, which provides modest returns given the net price of $14,494 per year. The 17% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition.
What are the highest paying programs at Lane College?
Business Administration graduates from Lane College earn around $23,340 annually, making it the highest-paying program at the school. Sociology and Criminal Justice follow at $21,508 and $19,455 respectively, though all of these figures are below national averages for college graduates.
How much student debt do Lane College graduates have?
Lane College graduates carry a median debt of $30,500, which is manageable compared to some schools but represents a significant burden given the low post-graduation earnings. The debt-to-income ratio creates financial challenges for many graduates.
What is the graduation rate at Lane College and why does it matter?
Lane College has a 17% graduation rate, meaning most students who enroll do not complete their degree. This dramatically reduces the return on investment since students who don't graduate still accumulate debt and opportunity costs without receiving a degree.