At $4,598/yr net price, Lorain County Community College graduates earn $38,837/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,837/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,598 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,392 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,837/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,837/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,680 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,258/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,692/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,151/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,495/yr |
| $110,001+ | $7,548/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 | $51,809 | $13,611 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,123 | $16,404 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,289 | $19,506 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $36,668 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $28,598 | $11,100 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,267 | $12,000 |
The Risk Factor
32.7% of students at Lorain County Community College 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
Lorain County Community College offers solid financial value for healthcare and technical career paths, but the low graduation rate creates significant risk for your investment. At $4,598 per year, the cost is reasonable, but only if you actually complete your program.
The nursing program delivers strong returns with graduates earning $51,809 annually against modest debt of $13,611. Computer software and medical lab science programs also produce earnings well above the school median. These healthcare and technical fields align with northeastern Ohio's job market, where Cleveland Clinic and other major health systems create steady demand.
The 32.70% graduation rate represents your biggest financial risk. This means two-thirds of students leave without credentials, often carrying debt with no degree to show for it. The risk is particularly acute if you're underprepared academically or lack clear career direction.
You're a good fit financially if you're targeting specific career training in nursing, medical technology, or computer applications and have the academic foundation to complete your program. The school works especially well for working adults seeking career changes or advancement in healthcare fields.
Avoid this school if you're exploring general education or unsure about your major. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs, making it a poor choice for academic exploration.
Only 26.91% of students receive financial aid, indicating many pay the full net price. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize total costs, and consider starting part-time if you need to work while studying. The debt levels remain manageable for successful graduates, but completing your credential is essential for any positive return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lorain County Community College worth the money?
For nursing programs, yes - graduates earn $51,809 annually against just $4,598 yearly costs. Other programs offer weaker returns, with overall graduate earnings of $38,837 after 10 years.
What are the best paying programs at Lorain County Community College?
Registered nursing leads at $51,809 annually, followed by computer software programs at $46,087. Medical lab science and allied health programs also exceed $40,000 in starting earnings.
How much debt do Lorain County Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is $13,680, which is manageable for high-paying programs like nursing. However, with a 32.7% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their programs.
Does Lorain County Community College have good job placement rates?
The school doesn't publish specific job placement data, but the low 32.7% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs. Healthcare programs likely have better outcomes than the overall averages.