At $5,294/yr net price, Lincoln Land Community College graduates earn $38,479/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,479/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,294 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,176 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,479/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,479/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,011 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,461/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,389/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,206/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,692/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,380/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $52,107 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,107 | $14,910 |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $41,937 | $5,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,565 | $17,247 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $37,208 | $9,910 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $34,530 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $29,141 | $7,445 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $24,267 | $10,750 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $24,035 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
42.5% of students at Lincoln Land Community College 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 Land Community College delivers solid returns for career-focused programs but struggles with completion rates that hurt your financial prospects. At $5,294 annually, the school costs less than most community colleges, but the 42.5% graduation rate means many students leave with debt and no degree.
Criminal Justice and Registered Nursing programs shine financially, both producing $52,107 median earnings that easily justify their costs. Ground Transportation offers strong value with $41,937 earnings against just $5,500 in debt. Allied Health programs pay well at $41,565 but carry higher debt loads of $17,247 that reduce your net benefit.
Liberal Arts transfers present the biggest financial risk. With $37,208 earnings and $9,910 debt, these programs barely outpace high school graduates in central Illinois. If you plan to transfer, completing your associate degree becomes critical since dropouts face poor job prospects.
The school works best if you target specific career programs with clear job pathways in Springfield's healthcare and logistics sectors. Healthcare programs connect directly to local hospital systems, while transportation training aligns with the region's distribution economy.
Avoid Lincoln Land if you need extensive academic support or prefer four-year campus environments. The low graduation rate suggests weak student services that could derail your progress. With only 37% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships remain limited.
Your best strategy involves picking a high-earning program, using the low tuition to minimize debt, and completing your degree within two years. The school's location in Illinois' capital provides internship opportunities in government and healthcare that can boost your post-graduation earnings beyond the median figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln Land Community College worth the money?
At $5,294 per year, Lincoln Land Community College offers solid value for career-focused programs like nursing and criminal justice, which lead to $52,000+ salaries. However, the 42.5% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and general studies graduates earn only $37,208 annually.
What are the best paying programs at Lincoln Land Community College?
Nursing and criminal justice programs at Lincoln Land Community College both lead to median earnings of $52,107 ten years after graduation. Ground transportation and allied health programs also pay well at around $42,000, while liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $37,208.
How much debt do Lincoln Land Community College graduates have?
Lincoln Land Community College graduates carry a median debt of $11,011, which is manageable for nursing and criminal justice majors earning $52,000+ but creates payment challenges for liberal arts graduates earning $37,208.
What is the graduation rate at Lincoln Land Community College?
Only 42.5% of students graduate from Lincoln Land Community College, meaning more than half don't complete their programs. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without getting a degree.