At $29,997/yr net price, Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia graduates earn $38,683/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,683/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,997 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $119,988 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,683/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,683/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 25.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $29,298/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,156/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,222/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,609/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,904/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $34,467 | $9,987 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $33,192 | $11,250 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $31,249 | $11,931 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $30,336 | $18,885 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $30,265 | $13,062 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Certificate | $22,466 | $12,096 |
The Risk Factor
64.3% of students at Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia delivers weak financial returns that don't justify its $30,000 annual cost. With median earnings of just $38,683 ten years after graduation, you're looking at barely above minimum wage income despite paying private college prices.
The numbers get worse when you examine specific programs. Even the highest-paying major, Precision Metal Working, generates only $34,467 annually. Environmental Control Technologies follows at $33,192, while automotive programs cluster around $30,000. These earnings barely cover living expenses in the Baltimore-Washington metro area, where housing costs run significantly above national averages.
Debt levels vary dramatically by program and create serious financial risks. Vehicle Maintenance graduates carry $18,885 in debt for $30,336 in earnings, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio. Precision Metal Working offers the best debt scenario at $9,987, but even that represents a quarter of your annual income.
The 64% graduation rate means more than one-third of students leave without credentials while still owing money. This school works only if you can complete your program and immediately find work in your field.
You should look elsewhere if you have other options. Community colleges offer similar technical training at half the cost with better job placement networks. Consider this school only if you need the specific hands-on training format and can pay cash or minimize borrowing. The financial aid picture shows just 53% of students receive assistance, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities.
Skip this school unless you have guaranteed employment lined up or can afford to pay without loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia worth the cost?
With graduates earning $38,683 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $29,997 per year, the return on investment is modest. The relatively low median debt of $11,250 helps, but earnings potential varies significantly by program.
Which programs at Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia have the best job prospects?
Precision Metal Working offers the highest earning potential at $34,467, followed by Environmental Control Technologies at $33,192. Vehicle maintenance programs show lower earnings around $30,000-$30,300.
What is the graduation rate at Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia?
The graduation rate is 64.3%, meaning about one-third of students don't complete their programs. This completion rate affects the school's overall value proposition for prospective students.
How much debt do Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia graduates typically have?
The median debt is $11,250, which is relatively manageable compared to many other institutions. However, with starting salaries in the $30,000-$35,000 range, loan payments will still represent a significant portion of graduates' income.