At $29,530/yr net price, Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis 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) | $29,530 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $118,120 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,396/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,396/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.9% |
| 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 | $28,785/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,589/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,262/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,446/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,878/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $42,309 | |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $38,140 | $12,000 |
| 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 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Certificate | $28,929 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $27,390 | $12,445 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $27,126 |
The Risk Factor
52.9% of students at Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis 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
Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings barely exceeding the annual cost of attendance. At $46,396 in median earnings ten years after graduation, you'll earn only $16,866 more than what you pay each year to attend.
The school's technical programs show concerning earnings patterns. Heavy equipment maintenance tops the earnings list at just $42,309, while vehicle repair technology graduates earn $37,392 with $12,000 in debt. Environmental control technology graduates face the worst debt-to-earnings ratio, carrying $14,069 in debt for $36,234 in annual earnings. Only precision metal working offers relatively manageable debt at $8,866, though earnings remain low at $34,315.
The 52.9% graduation rate creates additional financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt without the credentials to access higher-paying technical jobs. This makes Lincoln College particularly risky if you're unsure about your commitment to finishing.
You should consider this school only if you're committed to skilled trades work in the Indianapolis area and cannot access more affordable community college alternatives. The school works best for students who can minimize borrowing through employer sponsorship or military benefits, since the debt loads relative to earning potential are problematic for most graduates.
With 63.76% of students receiving aid, financial assistance is common but insufficient to make the economics compelling. Community colleges in Indiana offer similar technical training at significantly lower costs, making Lincoln College a poor financial choice for most prospective students seeking trade skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis worth the cost?
With annual costs of $29,530 and 10-year earnings of $46,396, Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis offers modest returns primarily for hands-on technical careers. The relatively low median debt of $11,730 makes it less risky than many alternatives, but earnings potential varies significantly by program.
What are the best paying programs at Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis?
Heavy equipment maintenance programs at Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis offer the highest earnings potential at around $42,000 annually. Vehicle maintenance and environmental control technology programs also provide solid career prospects, though precision metalworking graduates earn less at $34,315.
How much debt do students graduate with from Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis?
The median debt at Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis is $11,730, which is manageable compared to many technical schools. However, with a 53% graduation rate, nearly half of students leave without completing their programs.
Do Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis graduates find good jobs?
Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis graduates in heavy equipment and vehicle maintenance fields typically find steady employment in growing industries. The trade skills taught align well with regional job markets, though earnings growth beyond entry level can be limited.