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 keeps costs low and hands you manageable debt, but the payoff depends almost entirely on what you study. At around $4,000 a year net price and a median debt near what a used car costs, the downside is limited. The problem is the upside: median earnings ten years out sit below $40,000, and the 22.6% graduation rate means most people who enroll never finish. That combination is the core risk here.
Nursing is the clear winner. The associate degree in registered nursing pushes earnings close to $60,000, roughly $20,000 above the school-wide median, and even with the higher debt load that field carries, it pays for itself fast. Criminal justice, whether you take the certificate or the associate, lands in the high $40,000s and costs you little. Computer programming and networking associate degrees also clear $43,000. If you come here for one of these five programs and actually graduate, the math works strongly in your favor.
The risk is finishing at all. With fewer than a quarter of students completing, the biggest financial danger is paying tuition, borrowing, and walking away with credits but no credential. Community college earnings data reflects graduates. the median tells you nothing about the majority who leave.
On price by income, your cost does not climb in a straight line. Families earning under $48,000 pay the least, under $2,700 in the middle band. But the jump hits hardest between $75,000 and $110,000, where net price peaks above $9,000. If your family sits in that bracket, you pay more than families earning over $110,000.
Come here for nursing, criminal justice, or a computing associate, commit to finishing, and this is a low-cost bet. Treat it as an open-ended exploration and the completion odds work against you.
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.