At $8,719/yr net price, Lincoln Trail College graduates earn $37,533/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,533/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,719 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $34,876 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,533/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,533/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,193/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,030/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,092/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,428/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,741/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 | $5,625 |
The Risk Factor
46.6% of students at Lincoln Trail 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 Trail College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your career goals and transfer plans. With a net price of $8,719 annually and median debt of just $6,500, the school keeps costs manageable, but the median earnings of $37,533 ten years after enrollment reflect the limitations of many two-year programs in rural Illinois.
The financial picture becomes concerning when you examine specific programs. Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn a median of $20,140 annually while carrying $5,625 in debt. This combination creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that makes loan repayment difficult. These numbers suggest the program works best as a transfer pathway rather than a terminal degree.
Your location matters significantly here. Robinson sits in a rural area where job opportunities are limited, particularly for associate degree holders. If you plan to stay local after graduation, research specific employers in the region before enrolling. The 46.60% graduation rate also signals that nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, wasting both time and money.
Lincoln Trail College makes the most financial sense if you plan to transfer to a four-year institution after completing general education requirements. The low cost provides an affordable path to knock out prerequisites before moving to a university. For career-focused programs, verify that local employers actually hire from the school's specific programs before enrolling.
With only 31% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs, and avoid taking on additional debt beyond what the numbers show here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln Trail College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Lincoln Trail College offers a low net price of $8,719 per year, but graduates earn only $37,533 annually after 10 years. With a 46% graduation rate, many students don't finish their programs, making the investment risky even at this price point.
What programs at Lincoln Trail College have the best return on investment?
Most programs at Lincoln Trail College lead to modest earnings, with top programs in Liberal Arts and General Studies producing graduates who earn around $20,140. These low salaries make it difficult to justify even the relatively affordable tuition costs.
How much debt do Lincoln Trail College graduates typically have?
Lincoln Trail College graduates have a median debt of $6,500, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. However, with typical graduate earnings of $37,533, even this modest debt burden represents a significant portion of annual income.
Should I choose Lincoln Trail College over a four-year university for financial reasons?
Lincoln Trail College costs less upfront than most four-year schools, but the low graduation rate and limited earning potential create long-term financial risks. Students should carefully consider whether the programs align with career goals that justify any educational investment.