About Lee College
The financial picture looks solid for a community college education. Students pay an average net price of $7,519 after aid, which is reasonable given that graduates earn a median of $42,178 ten years after starting. Low-income students see slightly better deals, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying $7,575 net. Graduates typically leave with just $7,500 in debt and monthly loan payments around $80. The employment rate hits 76.9%, reflecting strong job placement in local industries.
The student body leans heavily Hispanic at 45.43%, with men slightly outnumbering women at 56.21%. Only 18.80% of students complete their programs within six years, typical for community colleges where many attend part-time while working. The Navigators field just two varsity sports with 26 total athletes, keeping the focus squarely on academics and career preparation.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 30:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 39.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 18.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,178
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $80,071 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $71,957 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $62,154 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $24,035 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $10,925 |
Campus Life
With 5,118 students spread across a commuter campus, Lee College feels like a working community rather than a traditional college experience. The 97% in-state enrollment means most students live at home and many work part-time jobs in nearby refineries and plants. Only two varsity sports teams compete, with just 26 total athletes participating in NJCAA programs. The 30:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, but the career-focused atmosphere keeps students engaged. Weekends often involve Houston's attractions a short drive away, from NASA's Space Center to the Museum District. The diverse student population is 45% Hispanic, 31% white, and 17% Black, creating a multicultural environment that mirrors the broader Houston metropolitan area.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1934
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 41°–62°F
- July Avg
- 74°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 64.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 56.2%
- Women
- 43.8%
- White
- 31.2%
- Black
- 17.1%
- Hispanic
- 45.4%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 97.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.6%
Location
- Address
- Baytown, Texas 77520
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,178
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,417
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 37.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $80/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lee College?
Lee College operates as an open-access community college, meaning they accept all students who meet basic enrollment requirements. With 5,118 students enrolled and 97.22% coming from Texas, the college serves as an accessible entry point into higher education for local residents. The institution focuses on providing career-focused programs rather than selective admissions.
How much does Lee College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Lee College is $7,519 annually, making it an affordable option for most students. In-state tuition starts at just $2,166, while out-of-state students pay $4,302. About 31.57% of students receive financial aid, with typical monthly loan payments of only $80 for those who borrow.
What academic programs is Lee College known for?
Lee College specializes in career-focused programs in petrochemicals, healthcare, and skilled trades that serve the Houston area's industrial economy. The college maintains a 30:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. With only two varsity sports and 26 total athletes, the emphasis clearly remains on academics and workforce preparation rather than athletics.
What are the employment outcomes for Lee College graduates?
Lee College graduates achieve a 76.9% employment rate, reflecting the practical nature of their programs. Median earnings reach $42,178 ten years after enrollment, with graduates typically carrying manageable debt loads of $7,500. The college's focus on petrochemical and healthcare training aligns well with regional job opportunities.
Where is Lee College located and what is the campus like?
Lee College sits in Baytown, Texas, a small city environment that supports the college's industrial training mission. The student body of 5,118 is diverse, with 45.43% Hispanic students, 31.20% white students, and 17.06% Black students. Men slightly outnumber women at 56.21% to 43.79%, typical for schools with strong technical programs.
Does Lee College have a good graduation rate?
Lee College has an 18.80% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Founded in 1934, the college has long served working adults and students balancing education with employment. The loan repayment rate of 37.76% suggests graduates generally find stable work even if they don't complete their programs immediately.
