At $30,391/yr net price, Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie graduates earn $46,396/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,396/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,391 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $121,564 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,396/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,396/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 72.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,730 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $29,763/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,781/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,633/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,947/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,985/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $37,392 | $12,000 |
| Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians. | Certificate | $36,234 | $14,069 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $34,315 | $8,866 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $32,845 | $12,532 |
The Risk Factor
72.4% of students at Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie is a hard financial sell. You pay over $30,000 a year in net price, and ten years out the median graduate earns $46,396. That gap is the whole story: a two-year program that costs as much as many four-year public schools, feeding into trades that don't pay enough to justify the price.
The good news is debt. The median borrower leaves with $11,730, low enough that you won't be buried. The 72% graduation rate also means you're likely to finish what you start, which is where many for-profit schools fail students outright.
The programs themselves are honest trade training with modest payoffs. The auto tech associate degree tops the list at $37,392, and the environmental control (HVAC) certificate comes close at $36,234. But notice that none of the listed programs clear $38,000, while the school-wide median sits near $46,000. The trade credentials you actually enroll in pay less than the average graduate here earns.
The Precision Metal Working certificate is the standout on cost: about $8,900 in debt for $34,315 in earnings, the tightest debt-to-income ratio on the list. If you're set on attending, that's the smartest bet.
The net price tiers offer no real break for lower incomes. You pay roughly $29,800 whether your family earns under $30k or up to $48k, and higher-income families actually pay more, above $32,000. There is no meaningful sliding scale here.
This school fits you if you want fast entry into auto repair, HVAC, or metalworking and can keep borrowing low. If you can get the same certificate at a community college for a fraction of the price, do that instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie worth the cost?
With a net price of $30,391 per year and median earnings of $46,396 after graduation, graduates typically see a modest return on investment. The relatively low median debt of $11,730 helps, but earning potential varies significantly by program.
Which programs at Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie have the best ROI?
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies offers the highest earning potential at $37,392 annually, followed by Environmental Control Technologies at $36,234. Precision Metal Working graduates earn around $34,315, which is closer to the national average for trade programs.
What is the job market like for Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie graduates?
The 72% graduation rate is solid for a technical college, and automotive and HVAC fields typically offer steady employment. However, starting salaries in the mid-$30,000s may make it challenging to quickly pay off educational costs in an expensive metro area like Dallas.
How much debt do Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie students typically graduate with?
The median debt of $11,730 is relatively manageable compared to four-year colleges. Most graduates should be able to handle monthly loan payments on typical starting salaries, though higher earners in vehicle maintenance programs will have an easier time.