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 gives you a low-debt path with modest earnings, and the biggest risk sits in whether you finish at all. Median debt runs $8,600, which is small enough that you could pay it off in a couple of years on typical earnings. That low borrowing is the strongest thing this school has going for it.
The catch is the 18.5% graduation rate. Fewer than one in five of you finishing on time means the return on this school depends heavily on you being in that group. If you enroll, take out loans, and leave without a credential, you carry the debt without the earnings bump that a completed degree brings. The $42,466 median ten-year earnings reflects people who got through. that number is not a promise for anyone who stops partway.
Net price stays flat across income until you clear $48k. If your family earns under $48k, you pay close to the same low price whether you make $10k or $47k, which makes this an accessible option at the bottom of the income scale. Above $110k, your cost climbs to roughly $14,000 a year, still cheap for a four-year school but no longer a bargain.
No program-level salary data is listed here, so treat any specific major claim with caution and ask the school directly what graduates in your field earn. This school fits you if you want to keep borrowing near zero, live in the Houston area, and are confident you will finish. Look elsewhere if you need a high starting salary out of school or if you have doubts about completing, since the low graduation rate turns cheap tuition into a bad deal for anyone who leaves without a degree.
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.