At $7,519/yr net price, Lee College graduates earn $42,178/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,178/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,519 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,076 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,178/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,178/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 18.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,575/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,970/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,388/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,154/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,866/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $80,071 | $8,225 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $71,957 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $62,154 | $9,500 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
18.8% of students at Lee 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
Lee College gives you a low-cost path to solid earnings, but only if you pick the right program. With net price around $7,500 a year and median debt at $7,500, you're not taking on much risk on the cost side. The problem is the payoff varies wildly depending on what you study.
The technical associate degrees tied to Baytown's petrochemical corridor are where the money is. Physical science technologies graduates clear $80,000, and electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance sits near $72,000. These programs feed directly into the refineries and chemical plants along the Houston Ship Channel, and the salaries reflect that regional demand. Nursing pays off too, at roughly $62,000, though it carries the highest debt on the list at $9,500.
The gap at the bottom is stark. Business operations support graduates earn around $24,000, less than a third of what the top technical program pays. Drafting and design lands in the middle near $38,000. If you enroll here for a general business or office-support credential, the financial case falls apart. The school's overall median earnings of $42,178 hides this split, so don't treat that number as your expected outcome.
The real risk is completion. An 18.8% graduation rate means most people who start don't finish, and the earnings figures only apply to those who do. Cheap tuition doesn't help if you leave without the credential.
Net price barely moves across income tiers, staying near $7,000 to $8,000 whether your family earns under $30k or over $110k. There's no meaningful low-income discount here, so budget the same either way.
Lee College fits you if you're targeting a specific industrial or nursing certification and can finish it. Look elsewhere if you want a general associate degree with no clear technical track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lee College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Lee College offers strong value with a low net price of $7,519 annually and median debt of only $7,500. However, the 19% graduation rate is concerning and may affect your ability to complete a program.
What Lee College programs have the best return on investment?
Physical Science Technologies and Electromechanical Instrumentation programs at Lee College lead to median earnings above $70,000. These technical programs justify the investment, while business support programs earn significantly less at $24,000.
How much debt do Lee College graduates typically have?
Lee College graduates carry a median debt of $7,500, which is relatively low for higher education. The affordable tuition and strong financial aid help keep borrowing minimal for those who complete their programs.
Do Lee College graduates earn enough to justify the cost?
Lee College graduates earn a median of $42,178 after 10 years, which is reasonable given the low cost and debt levels. Earnings vary significantly by program, with technical fields offering much better returns than general business programs.