At $4,281/yr net price, Lewis and Clark Community College graduates earn $37,724/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,724/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,281 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $17,124 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,724/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,724/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,751 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $356/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,718/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,060/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,050/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,867/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 | $51,392 | $8,055 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $49,527 | |
| Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $48,432 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $36,042 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $31,133 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $27,126 | $7,500 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $22,503 | $6,500 |
The Risk Factor
47.8% of students at Lewis and Clark Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Lewis and Clark Community College delivers solid financial returns for a two-year school, with low costs and strong earning potential in specific career tracks. Your total investment stays minimal at $4,281 per year in net costs, and most graduates carry just $6,751 in debt.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $51,392 annually despite slightly higher debt loads. Dental support services and mining/petroleum technology programs also produce strong returns, both pushing graduates near $49,000 in annual earnings. These technical programs align well with regional industrial demand in the St. Louis metro area.
Your financial risk remains low given the modest debt levels, but the 47.8% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without completing their programs. This completion challenge becomes your biggest financial threat, as you lose both time and money without gaining credentials.
Lewis and Clark works best financially if you target high-earning programs like nursing or industrial technology and can commit to finishing your degree. The school makes less sense if you're exploring general studies or programs with weaker regional job markets.
Financial aid reaches only 21% of students, suggesting most families pay out-of-pocket costs directly. This low aid percentage actually works in your favor since it indicates affordable base pricing rather than inflated sticker prices requiring heavy discounting. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize your return on this relatively small investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lewis and Clark Community College worth the money?
Lewis and Clark Community College offers solid value with a low net price of $4,281 annually and median debt of just $6,751. The nursing and dental programs show strong earning potential at around $50,000, though overall graduate earnings average $37,724 after 10 years.
What are the best paying programs at Lewis and Clark Community College?
Nursing programs lead earnings at Lewis and Clark Community College with graduates making around $51,000 annually. Dental support services and mining technologies also perform well at roughly $48,000-$49,000, while other programs like legal support and networking average in the mid-to-upper $30,000s.
How much debt do Lewis and Clark Community College graduates have?
Lewis and Clark Community College graduates carry relatively low debt loads with a median of $6,751. The low cost structure and community college pricing help keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Lewis and Clark Community College?
Lewis and Clark Community College has a 47.8% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing programs. The low cost and debt levels help offset the completion risk for most students.