About Lone Star College System
The financial picture here is compelling for students watching their budgets. In-state tuition runs just $3,090 per year, and the average net price is $9,322 after aid. Students typically graduate with only $8,600 in debt and monthly loan payments of $91. Ten years after starting, graduates earn a median of $42,466 annually. While that might seem modest, many students use Lone Star as a stepping stone to transfer to four-year schools or enter careers that value skills over degrees.
The 18% graduation rate reflects the nature of community college students, many of whom attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their degree. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio and an 88% employment rate, students get personal attention and real job prospects.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 22:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 18.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 18.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,466
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $65,362 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $57,920 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $51,707 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $47,686 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $44,170 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $42,682 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $42,682 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,789 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,829 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $38,289 |
Campus Life
As a commuter-focused system, nearly all students live off-campus and drive to classes. With 59% women and a student body that's 45% Hispanic, the campuses reflect Houston's diverse population. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than you'd find at four-year schools. Most students work while taking classes, which explains the flexible scheduling options and evening courses. Weekends often involve study groups at local coffee shops, part-time jobs, or heading into Houston for entertainment. The campuses feel more like busy academic centers than traditional college communities, with students focused on completing prerequisites or career training before transferring or entering the workforce.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 42°–63°F
- July Avg
- 74°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.8%
- Women
- 59.2%
- White
- 23.7%
- Black
- 14.3%
- Hispanic
- 45.3%
- Asian
- 6.6%
- In-State Students
- 99.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.1%
Location
- Address
- The Woodlands, Texas 77381-4399
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,466
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,619
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 29.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $91/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,600
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Lone Star College System?
Lone Star College operates as an open-access community college system, meaning virtually all students who apply are accepted. With 99.60% in-state enrollment among its 47,486 students, the system primarily serves local Texas residents seeking affordable higher education options.
How much does Lone Star College System cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,322 annually, with in-state tuition at just $3,090. Only 23.08% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the already low cost structure that makes this one of the most affordable college options in Texas.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Lone Star College System?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 22:1, typical for large community college systems. Classes tend to be larger than at four-year universities, but the system focuses on practical workforce training and transfer preparation rather than research-intensive academics.
What are the graduation rates at Lone Star College System?
The six-year graduation rate is 18.50%, which is common for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Despite lower completion rates, graduates earn a median salary of $42,466 ten years after enrollment with manageable debt loads averaging $8,600.
Where is Lone Star College System located and what is campus life like?
The system operates multiple campuses throughout the greater Houston area, headquartered in The Woodlands. With a diverse student body that is 45.34% Hispanic and 59.19% female, the colleges serve primarily commuter students focused on career preparation and university transfer.
Does Lone Star College System prepare students for employment?
The system achieves an 88.4% employment rate among graduates, reflecting its strong focus on workforce development programs. Students typically see immediate earnings of $34,391 within one year of graduation, with monthly loan payments averaging just $91 due to the low-debt model.
