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
The math at Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia is hard to justify on price alone. You pay close to $30,000 a year at a two-year school, and ten years out the median graduate earns under $39,000. That earnings figure sits near what many people in the Baltimore-Columbia area make without a credential, so the tuition is doing a lot of work to prove its value.
The programs here are trades: precision metal working, HVAC and environmental controls, electrical and power transmission, and auto repair. These are real jobs with steady regional demand, and the certificate tracks keep debt low. The precision metal working certificate leaves you with under $10,000 owed and the highest earnings on the list. That combination is the strongest bet the school offers.
The auto repair path is where the numbers turn against you. The associate degree in vehicle maintenance carries nearly $19,000 in debt while paying about the same as the certificate version that costs you $13,000. Paying $6,000 more in debt for no earnings bump makes the associate track the weakest financial choice here.
The risk specific to this school is the gap between what you pay and what you earn. A 64% graduation rate means one in three of you leaves without finishing, and if you took on debt to get there, the trades pay nothing to non-completers. Net price barely moves across income brackets, so a family earning under $30,000 still faces roughly $29,000 a year with little relief.
This school fits you if you want a specific trade certificate, will finish, and can keep costs down. If you are weighing the associate degree or expecting a salary that outpaces the price, look at a community college first, where the same trades cost far less.
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.