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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt entry point with a modest but real payoff. Median debt sits at $6,500, and median earnings ten years out land near $37,500. You're not paying much to attend, and you're not borrowing much either, which keeps your financial risk down even if the earnings ceiling stays low.
The one program with reported earnings data is the associate in Liberal Arts and Sciences, and its graduates earn about $20,000 a year. That's a transfer-oriented degree, not a job-ready credential on its own. If you stop at the associate level here, expect earnings well below the school's overall median. The school-wide $37,500 figure likely reflects people who transferred and finished a four-year degree elsewhere, or who moved into higher-paying work over time.
The main risk is the 46.6% graduation rate. Fewer than half of students finish, and if you take on even the modest debt without completing, you get the cost without the credential. Treat this as a launch point toward a bachelor's or a specific trade, and have a transfer or completion plan before you enroll.
The net price tiers are unusual: you pay less as your family earns less. Under $30k, you're at roughly $7,200. over $110k, you're closer to $12,700. Lower-income families get the better deal here, and the total yearly cost stays affordable across every income band.
This school fits you if you want cheap credits, plan to transfer, or are targeting a specific local job in the Robinson area. Look elsewhere if you want a program that pays well straight out of a two-year degree, since the available data doesn't show one 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.