At $6,564/yr net price, Lawson State Community College graduates earn $31,701/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,564 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,256 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,701/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,299/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 26.4% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,418/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,379/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,114/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,135/yr |
| $110,001+ | $6,338/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 | $50,856 | |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $40,461 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $28,598 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,687 |
The Risk Factor
26.4% of students at Lawson State 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
Lawson State Community College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning over $50,000 annually, making it one of the strongest community college investments in Alabama's healthcare market.
Your program selection will make or break your financial outcome here. Mechanical engineering technology graduates earn $40,461, while environmental control technology leads to $28,598. These technical programs align well with Birmingham's industrial base and offer solid middle-class earning potential. However, liberal arts graduates face concerning prospects at just $20,687 annually, barely above the poverty line for a family of three.
The school's 26% graduation rate presents significant financial risk. Nearly three-quarters of students who start never finish, meaning you could accumulate debt without earning credentials. This completion challenge affects your return on investment regardless of program quality.
Lawson State makes financial sense if you target high-demand technical fields or nursing and can commit to finishing your program. The $6,564 annual cost keeps debt manageable for completers. With nearly 60% of students receiving financial aid, most students pay less than the sticker price.
Skip this school if you plan to study liberal arts or lack strong academic preparation. The low graduation rates suggest many students struggle to complete programs successfully. You need clear career goals and solid study habits to justify the investment. Consider four-year universities if you want broader career options, or focus on trade schools if you prefer shorter, more targeted training programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lawson State Community College worth the cost?
Lawson State Community College offers a low net price of $6,564 annually, but graduates earn just $31,701 after 10 years. The nursing program provides strong returns at $50,856, while liberal arts graduates earn only $20,687.
What is the graduation rate at Lawson State Community College?
Lawson State Community College has a 26% graduation rate, meaning nearly three-quarters of students don't complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value.
Which programs at Lawson State Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Lawson State Community College offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning $50,856 annually. Mechanical engineering technology also pays well at $40,461, while liberal arts graduates face much lower earnings.
Should I avoid certain majors at Lawson State Community College?
Liberal arts and general studies graduates from Lawson State Community College earn just $20,687 annually, barely above minimum wage levels. Focus on nursing or technical programs for better financial outcomes.