At $27,603/yr net price, Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville 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) | $27,603 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,412 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,396/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,396/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.9% |
| 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 | $26,430/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,335/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $29,295/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,700/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,233/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 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $34,315 | $8,866 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $32,845 | $12,532 |
The Risk Factor
63.9% of students at Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville costs about $27,600 a year net, and the median graduate earns $46,396 a decade out. Against a two-year sticker, that return is workable but thin, and it hinges entirely on which trade you pick. Median debt sits at $11,730, low enough that you won't be buried, but the annual cost is the real weight here.
The programs that pay are the heavy machines. Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance at the associate level clears $42,000, the best outcome on the list and roughly $10,000 more than the vehicle repair certificate. If diesel and industrial equipment is your track, the math holds. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair pays less across both credentials, and the certificate version lands under $33,000 while carrying more debt than the associate. Precision Metal Working sits in the middle at $34,300 but with the lowest debt of any program, under $9,000, making it the cheapest bet to recover.
The specific risk here is the gap between what you pay and what the weaker programs return. Paying $27,600 a year to earn a $32,845 vehicle repair certificate is a slow payback, and Nashville's mechanic wages set the ceiling. The 63.9% graduation rate also means a real share of students leave with debt and no credential.
Net price barely moves with income, and it actually climbs for higher earners, from about $26,400 under $30k to over $31,000 above $110k. There's little price break for lower-income families, so factor the full cost regardless of what you earn.
This school fits you if you're set on heavy equipment maintenance and want to work with your hands in Tennessee. If you're leaning toward general auto repair, price out a community college first, because the earnings here don't justify the premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville worth the cost?
With a net price of $27,603 per year and median earnings of $46,396 ten years after graduation, Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville offers modest returns. The relatively low median debt of $11,730 helps, but graduates earn less than many four-year college graduates.
What are the highest paying programs at Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville?
Heavy equipment maintenance programs lead with earnings around $38,000-$42,000 annually. Vehicle maintenance and precision metalworking programs typically result in lower earnings in the $32,000-$37,000 range.
How much debt do Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville graduates have?
The median debt is $11,730, which is relatively manageable compared to many colleges. However, with starting salaries in the $30,000-$40,000 range, graduates still face meaningful monthly payments.
What is the graduation rate at Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville?
The graduation rate is 63.9%, meaning more than one-third of students don't complete their programs. This is a significant risk factor when considering the investment in tuition and time.