At $4,003/yr net price, Lansing Community College graduates earn $39,206/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,206/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,003 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,012 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,206/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,206/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,700 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,822/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,607/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,302/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,411/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,566/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 | $59,411 | $17,879 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $49,644 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $48,557 | |
| Computer Programming. | Associate | $47,729 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $42,235 | $13,933 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,123 | $17,420 |
| Fire Protection. | Associate | $39,729 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,281 |
The Risk Factor
22.6% of students at Lansing 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
Lansing Community College delivers solid returns for your education dollar, with a net price under $4,100 annually making it one of Michigan's most affordable higher education options. Your investment pays off fastest in nursing, where graduates earn $59,411 within ten years despite carrying slightly higher debt loads of $17,879.
The college's technical programs show strong market alignment with mid-Michigan employers. Criminal justice graduates land jobs paying around $49,000, while computer programming and networking programs prepare you for roles earning $44,000 to $48,000. These fields offer reliable career paths in the Lansing region's government and healthcare sectors.
The biggest financial risk here is completion. With only 23% of students graduating, you face significant odds of leaving without credentials. This low completion rate means many students accumulate debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying positions.
Lansing Community College works best financially if you're career-focused and can complete your program quickly. The nursing program represents the strongest ROI despite higher debt, while business and liberal arts tracks offer weaker returns. You should consider this school if you need affordable training for specific technical roles or plan to transfer to a four-year institution after completing prerequisites.
Skip Lansing Community College if you're undecided about your major or struggle with self-direction. The low graduation rate suggests many students get derailed, and without completion, even this affordable option becomes a poor investment. The limited financial aid percentage of 28% means most students pay out of pocket, making completion even more critical for financial success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lansing Community College worth the money?
Lansing Community College offers good value for career-focused programs like nursing and criminal justice, but the 22.6% graduation rate is concerning. With a low net price of $4,003 per year and median debt of $12,700, the financial risk is manageable if you complete your program.
What programs at Lansing Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Lansing Community College show the strongest return, with graduates earning around $59,411 annually. Criminal justice and computer programming also pay well at $48,000-49,000, making these programs worth the investment.
How much debt do Lansing Community College graduates have?
Lansing Community College graduates carry a median debt of $12,700, which is relatively low for higher education. However, with average earnings of $39,206 ten years after enrollment, some graduates may struggle with debt payments depending on their field.
What is the graduation rate at Lansing Community College?
Lansing Community College has a 22.6% graduation rate, meaning most students don't finish their programs. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's value proposition, even with affordable tuition.