At $9,568/yr net price, Lehigh Carbon Community College graduates earn $42,436/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,436/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,568 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,272 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,436/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,436/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,941/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,817/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,309/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,094/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,856/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 | $62,260 | $13,936 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $42,930 | $15,088 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $38,289 | $11,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $38,289 | $12,770 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $32,925 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $31,127 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $30,771 | $11,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | $11,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,353 | $5,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,340 | $8,902 |
The Risk Factor
28.4% of students at Lehigh Carbon 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
Lehigh Carbon Community College offers a mixed financial picture with strong returns in healthcare but concerning outcomes across most other programs. Your investment pays off best if you pursue nursing, which generates $62,260 annually against just $13,936 in debt. This creates one of the strongest ROI scenarios available at any community college in Pennsylvania.
Healthcare programs dominate the earnings winners. Allied health and medical assisting services produce $42,930 yearly earnings, though you'll carry slightly higher debt at $15,088. Health administration rounds out the medical pathway with $38,289 in earnings. These programs align well with the Lehigh Valley's hospital systems and medical facilities, creating reliable local job placement.
Your financial risk increases significantly outside healthcare. Accounting graduates earn just $32,925 annually, barely justifying the time and cost investment. The 28% graduation rate signals that many students never complete their programs, leaving them with debt but no credential. Computer networking shows modest potential at $38,289, but this barely exceeds what you could earn with a high school diploma in many local manufacturing jobs.
You face lower financial aid availability than typical community college students. Only 33% receive aid compared to national averages above 60%. This means you'll likely pay closer to the full $9,568 annual cost out of pocket. The median $11,000 debt load remains manageable, but only if you actually graduate and enter a viable program.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or allied health and can commit to completing the program. Skip it for business programs or if you're unsure about your major. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings in non-medical fields creates unnecessary financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lehigh Carbon Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $9,568 and 10-year earnings of $42,436, LCCC offers reasonable value for a two-year degree. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $62,260, making it worth the investment for students who complete the program.
What are the best paying programs at Lehigh Carbon Community College?
Registered nursing graduates from LCCC earn a median of $62,260 annually, the highest among all programs. Allied health programs follow at $42,930, while accounting graduates earn $32,925.
How much debt do Lehigh Carbon Community College students typically have?
LCCC graduates carry a median debt of $11,000, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. However, with only a 28% graduation rate, many students leave with debt but no degree.
What is the graduation rate at Lehigh Carbon Community College?
LCCC has a 28% graduation rate, meaning most students who start don't finish their programs. This low completion rate is a major risk factor when considering the school's value.