At $5,309/yr net price, Laredo College graduates earn $33,934/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,309 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,236 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,934/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-66/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $2,959 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,877/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,432/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,620/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,344/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 | $72,369 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $56,415 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,500 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,942 | |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $28,598 | |
| Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $28,212 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,055 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $23,649 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $22,771 |
The Risk Factor
30.5% of students at Laredo 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
Laredo College delivers strong value for students willing to choose their major carefully, with an ultra-low net price of $5,309 annually and minimal debt burden at graduation. The school's registered nursing program stands out with median earnings of $72,369, creating a strong return on investment that justifies the degree cost within two years of graduation.
Your major choice will determine your financial outcome at this school. Criminal justice graduates earn $56,415 annually, while allied health programs produce solid middle-class incomes in the $44,000-$45,500 range. Electronics maintenance offers another viable path at $39,369. However, avoid programs outside these healthcare and technical fields, as the overall median earnings of $33,934 suggests many graduates struggle to reach living wages in the Laredo job market.
The 30.5% graduation rate creates significant financial risk if you don't complete your degree. You'll face the full cost with no credential to show for it. The low percentage of students receiving aid (38.47%) indicates most families can afford the school without borrowing, but also suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities.
This school works best for cost-conscious students targeting healthcare careers or those seeking technical training without debt. The nursing program offers particular value given the strong regional healthcare demand along the border. You should look elsewhere if you want a traditional college experience, need extensive academic support to graduate, or plan to major in fields outside healthcare and technical trades where job prospects in the Laredo market remain limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laredo College worth the cost?
Laredo College offers strong value with a low net price of $5,309 per year and minimal debt of $2,959. However, the 30% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $33,934 after 10 years are below national averages.
What are the best paying programs at Laredo College?
Nursing programs at Laredo College lead to the highest earnings at $72,369, making them worth the investment. Criminal Justice ($56,415) and Allied Health programs ($44,000-$45,500) also provide decent returns compared to the low tuition cost.
How much debt do Laredo College graduates have?
Laredo College graduates leave with very low debt, averaging just $2,959. This makes the college financially accessible, though the low graduation rate means many students may not complete their programs.
Does Laredo College have a good graduation rate?
Laredo College's 30% graduation rate is well below national averages for community colleges. This means 7 out of 10 students don't finish their programs, which significantly impacts the school's overall value despite low costs.