At $28,399/yr net price, Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia 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) | $28,399 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $113,596 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,683/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,683/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 24.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.8% |
| 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 | $28,262/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $27,856/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,421/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,108/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,412/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $30,336 | $18,885 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $30,265 | $13,062 |
The Risk Factor
53.8% of students at Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia 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 Technical Institute-Philadelphia delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to recommend for most students. With median earnings of $38,683 ten years after graduation and an annual net price of $28,399, you face a challenging payback period even with relatively low median debt of $11,250.
The automotive programs represent the school's strongest career pathway, with graduates earning around $30,300 annually. However, these same programs saddle students with debt loads ranging from $13,062 to $18,885, creating a concerning debt-to-income ratio for entry-level automotive technicians. The Philadelphia job market does offer automotive opportunities, but starting wages remain modest compared to your educational investment.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 53.8% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students leave without completing their programs while still carrying debt. The for-profit structure also limits your financial aid options compared to community colleges offering similar technical training.
This school makes financial sense only if you have specific automotive career goals and exhaust community college alternatives first. Philadelphia Community College offers automotive programs at a fraction of the cost with similar job placement potential. You should consider Lincoln Tech only if you need the flexibility of their scheduling or have employer partnerships that specifically value their credentials.
With 72.7% of students receiving financial aid, explore every grant and scholarship option before enrolling. The school's merit aid tends to be limited, so federal and state grants become critical for making the numbers work. Calculate your total program cost carefully and compare it against realistic starting salaries in your chosen field before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia worth the cost?
With a net price of $28,399 per year and median earnings of $38,683 ten years after graduation, the return on investment is modest. The school's 54% graduation rate and focus on automotive repair programs make it suitable mainly for students committed to technical careers in vehicle maintenance.
What are the highest paying programs at Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia?
The top-earning programs at Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia are both in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies, with graduates earning around $30,300 annually. These earnings are below the national average for college graduates but align with typical automotive technician salaries.
How much debt do Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia students graduate with?
The median debt for Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia graduates is $11,250, which is relatively low compared to many colleges. However, with starting salaries around $30,000, students should carefully consider whether the debt is manageable given their expected earnings.
What is the graduation rate at Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia?
Lincoln Technical Institute-Philadelphia has a 54% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't complete their programs. This completion rate is concerning and suggests students should have a clear career plan and strong commitment before enrolling.