Lehigh Carbon Community College: $5,215 Tuition

$5,215Tuition

4,465Students

28%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,436Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Lehigh Carbon Community College

Lehigh Carbon Community College serves the Allentown region as a stepping stone for students who want practical skills or a pathway to four-year degrees. The college enrolls 4,465 students across career-focused programs and university transfer tracks. Nearly all students (99.02%) come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community feel in the rural-fringe setting of Schnecksville. The Cougars compete in 9 varsity sports with 117 total athletes, though the college doesn't offer athletic scholarships.

Students pay an average net price of $9,568 after financial aid, with lower-income families paying less at $6,941. In-state tuition runs $5,215, making it accessible for local families. Graduates typically leave with $11,000 in debt but earn a median of $42,436 ten years after starting college. The employment rate hits 94.9%, suggesting strong job placement success. Monthly loan payments average just $117, making the debt load manageable relative to earning potential.

The student body reflects the changing demographics of eastern Pennsylvania, with 48.78% white students, 32.72% Hispanic students, and women comprising 63.81% of enrollment. Only 33.06% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a largely working-class population rather than the poorest families. The 6-year graduation rate of 28.40% is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working.

Academics & Faculty

Lehigh Carbon Community College serves the Lehigh Valley with career-focused programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly or transfer to four-year universities. The college offers associate degrees in high-demand fields like nursing, automotive technology, and business administration. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to instructors despite the community college setting. The 28% six-year graduation rate reflects the typical community college pattern where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing their degree. Nearly all students are Pennsylvania residents seeking affordable education close to home. The college emphasizes hands-on training and partnerships with local employers to prepare graduates for regional job markets.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 21.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,436

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$62,260
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$42,930
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$38,289
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$38,289
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$32,925
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$31,127
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$30,771
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$29,685
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$26,353
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$23,340

View all 69 programs →

Campus Life

The rural Schnecksville campus sits about 50 miles north of Philadelphia, where Pennsylvania winters demand heavy coats and snow boots. With 4,465 students spread across a commuter-focused environment, most drive home after classes rather than staying for weekend activities. The 63.81% female student body reflects strong enrollment in the college's nursing and allied health programs.

Students spend weekdays navigating a 21:1 student-faculty ratio in career-focused classrooms. The 99.02% in-state enrollment creates a tight-knit regional feel where classmates often know each other from local high schools. Weekend social life happens off-campus since this is primarily a commuter college. The 117 student athletes competing in nine NCCAA sports provide some campus energy during game days. Many students work part-time jobs while completing their associate degrees, reflected in the practical program choices that lead to a 94.9% employment rate. The semester calendar system allows students to balance coursework with family and work obligations typical of community college life.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1966

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–38°F
July Avg: 64°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.4"
Annual Snowfall: 33.1"

Student Demographics

Nearly everyone at Lehigh Carbon comes from Pennsylvania, reflecting its role as a vital local institution serving the broader Lehigh Valley. Women make up almost two-thirds of the student body, typical for community colleges where nursing, education, and health programs draw strong female enrollment. The campus serves a diverse population, with Hispanic students comprising about one-third of enrollment alongside white and Black students. One in three students receives Pell Grants, demonstrating the college's mission to provide affordable education and career training to working-class families throughout the region.

Men: 36.2%
Women: 63.8%
White: 48.8%
Black: 8.8%
Hispanic: 32.7%
Asian: 2.7%
In-State Students: 99.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.1%

Location

Schnecksville sits in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, about 45 miles north of Philadelphia and 90 miles west of New York City. The rural-fringe setting gives students access to both countryside and urban opportunities. Nearly all students are Pennsylvania residents, with 99.02% coming from in-state. The area blends small-town charm with proximity to major metropolitan areas. Students can reach the Pocono Mountains for outdoor recreation or travel to Allentown and Bethlehem for internships and jobs. The Lehigh Valley's mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics companies provides strong career connections. The region's affordability helps keep costs manageable, with net prices ranging from $6,941 for low-income families to $14,856 for higher earners. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Lehigh Carbon Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Schnecksville, Pennsylvania 18078-2598

Lehigh Carbon Community College Main Campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,436
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,948
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 47.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Lehigh Carbon Community College?

Lehigh Carbon Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, serving 4,465 students primarily from Pennsylvania. Nearly all students (99.02%) come from in-state, reflecting the college's mission to serve the local Lehigh Valley region with accessible higher education opportunities.

How much does Lehigh Carbon Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,568 after aid, with in-state tuition set at $5,215 annually. Low-income families earning under $30,000 face a net price of just $6,941, making this community college an affordable pathway to higher education in the Lehigh Valley.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Lehigh Carbon Community College?

The college maintains a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges but higher than many four-year institutions. Founded in 1966, LCCC focuses on career-focused programs and transfer pathways that prepare students for both immediate employment and continued education.

What are the job prospects for Lehigh Carbon Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 94.9% employment rate, with median earnings of $42,436 ten years after enrollment. The college's emphasis on practical, career-oriented training helps students enter the workforce quickly, though the 28.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the part-time nature of many community college students.

Where is Lehigh Carbon Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, in a rural-fringe setting that serves the broader Lehigh Valley region. With 117 total athletes competing in 9 varsity sports through the NCCAA, the Cougars offer modest athletic opportunities alongside the college's primary focus on academics and career preparation.

Does Lehigh Carbon Community College serve a diverse student population?

The student body shows significant diversity with 48.78% White, 32.72% Hispanic, and 8.82% Black students enrolled. Women make up 63.81% of the enrollment, reflecting broader trends in community college demographics where female students often outnumber male students seeking career training and transfer opportunities.