At $9,322/yr net price, Lone Star College System graduates earn $42,466/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,466/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,322 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,288 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,466/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,466/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 18.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,600 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,245/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,862/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,373/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,310/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,153/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $65,362 | $9,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $57,920 | $5,250 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $51,707 | $8,453 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $47,686 | $8,042 |
| 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 | $9,312 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $38,289 |
The Risk Factor
18.5% of students at Lone Star College System graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Lone Star College System delivers strong financial returns for healthcare programs but weak outcomes for most other fields. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $65,362 annually against just $9,000 in debt, making it one of the best ROI programs in Texas community colleges. Allied health fields also perform well, with diagnostic programs producing $57,920 earners who carry minimal debt.
The 18.5% graduation rate creates major financial risk. You face high odds of leaving with debt but no degree, particularly problematic since 77% of students receive no financial aid. Computer science graduates earn $44,170, slightly above the school median, but many other programs fall well short of justifying even the low $9,322 annual cost.
You should choose Lone Star if you can get into nursing or allied health programs and have strong academic preparation to beat the low completion rates. The school works financially for career changers targeting specific healthcare certifications or students who can transfer credits elsewhere after completing prerequisites affordably.
Avoid Lone Star for liberal arts, business, or general studies unless you have a clear transfer plan to a four-year university. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings in non-healthcare fields makes these paths financially dangerous. Students seeking broad educational exploration or uncertain about career direction should consider universities with higher completion rates and better support systems, even at higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lone Star College System worth the cost?
Lone Star College System offers decent value with low costs ($9,322 annually) and minimal debt ($8,600 median). However, the 18.5% graduation rate is concerning, and 10-year earnings of $42,466 are modest for college graduates.
What programs at Lone Star College System have the best ROI?
Nursing programs provide the strongest returns, with registered nursing graduates earning around $65,362 annually. Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment specialties earning $51,000-$57,000.
How much debt do Lone Star College System graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $8,600, which is relatively low compared to national averages. The low annual cost helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
Why is the graduation rate so low at Lone Star College System?
The 18.5% graduation rate reflects the community college model where many students transfer, attend part-time, or pursue certificates rather than degrees. This rate doesn't necessarily indicate poor value for students who complete their programs.