At $7,427/yr net price, Lane Community College graduates earn $38,075/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,075/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,427 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,708 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,075/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,075/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,761 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,427/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $68,422 | $16,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $58,943 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $54,252 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $46,673 | $10,879 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,618 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $40,485 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $37,208 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $34,847 |
The Risk Factor
21.9% of students at Lane Community 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 Community College delivers strong financial returns in healthcare programs but weak outcomes in most other fields. Your investment makes sense if you target nursing or dental support, where graduates earn $58,000-$68,000 annually with manageable debt loads.
The nursing programs represent your best bet. Registered nursing graduates earn $68,422 yearly with only $16,500 in debt, creating positive returns within three years. Practical nursing offers similar value at $46,673 earnings with just $10,879 debt. Dental support services graduates earn $58,943 without heavy borrowing.
Outside healthcare, your prospects dim considerably. The school's overall median earnings of $38,075 barely justify the $7,427 annual cost, especially given the 22% graduation rate. Most non-healthcare programs leave graduates earning wages that community college dropouts could match.
You face significant completion risk here. Four out of five students never graduate, meaning your chances of finishing depend heavily on your program choice and personal circumstances. Healthcare tracks have better completion rates due to structured curricula and clear career paths.
This school works financially if you live in Oregon, qualify for in-state rates, and commit to a healthcare program with demonstrated job placement success. You should look elsewhere if you want a broad education, plan to transfer to a four-year school, or lack strong career focus. The combination of low graduation rates and mediocre earnings outside healthcare creates poor odds for unfocused students.
Lane makes sense for career changers seeking practical healthcare skills in Eugene's job market. Skip it if you need extensive financial aid or want programs beyond the health sciences cluster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lane Community College worth the money?
Lane Community College offers decent value for healthcare programs, with nursing graduates earning $68,422 annually against a low net price of $7,427 per year. However, the overall graduate earnings of $38,075 are modest, and the 22% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Lane Community College?
Registered nursing leads at $68,422 annually, followed by dental support services at $58,943. These healthcare-focused programs provide the strongest return on investment compared to the college's overall graduate earnings of $38,075.
How much debt do Lane Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $14,761, which is manageable for healthcare graduates but could be problematic for those in lower-paying fields. With overall graduate earnings at $38,075, debt payments would consume a significant portion of income for many programs.
Does Lane Community College have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects depend heavily on your program choice at Lane Community College. Healthcare programs like nursing and dental support show strong earning potential, but the low 22% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their studies successfully.