At $7,961/yr net price, Lemoore College graduates earn $40,292/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,292/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,961 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $31,844 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,292/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,292/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,534/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,349/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,132/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,561/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,119/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 | $81,886 | |
| Public Health. | Associate | $25,967 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $23,182 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
39.9% of students at Lemoore 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
Lemoore College delivers strong returns if you choose the right program, but the overall financial picture is mixed due to low graduation rates and limited high-paying career paths.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning over $80,000 annually. This represents strong value at a community college price point, especially in California's Central Valley where healthcare demand remains high. However, nursing enrollment is competitive and completion requires dedication through prerequisite courses.
Most other programs show weak earnings potential. Liberal arts graduates earn just over $20,000 ten years out, while business and criminal justice majors barely crack $25,000. These returns struggle to justify even the modest debt load when factoring in opportunity costs and the region's agricultural economy.
The 40% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face significant odds of leaving without a credential while still carrying debt. The low completion rate reflects academic challenges many students face, particularly given that most attend part-time while working.
You should consider Lemoore if you can realistically complete the nursing program or need affordable prerequisite courses before transferring to a four-year university. The school works well for local students who can live at home and avoid housing costs.
Skip Lemoore if you want a traditional college experience or plan to major in liberal arts or business without transferring. The earnings data suggests these programs alone provide insufficient returns. With only 38% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited, making the school primarily attractive for its low sticker price rather than generous aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lemoore College worth the cost?
Lemoore College offers good value with a low net price of $7,961 per year and modest debt levels around $9,500. However, the 40% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts return on investment.
What are the highest paying majors at Lemoore College?
Nursing programs at Lemoore College lead to the strongest earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning around $81,886 annually. Most other programs result in much lower salaries, with liberal arts graduates earning about $20,140.
How much debt do Lemoore College graduates have?
Lemoore College graduates typically leave with $9,500 in debt, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. The manageable debt load helps offset the school's below-average graduate earnings of $40,292.
Should I attend Lemoore College for a business degree?
Business graduates from Lemoore College earn around $25,194 annually, which may not justify even the low cost of attendance. Consider the nursing program instead if you want better earning potential from this school.