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 keeps your costs low but returns modest earnings, and that tradeoff defines the whole picture. At $4,598 a year, you can finish here without much debt, and the median debt load of $13,680 backs that up. But median earnings ten years out sit under $39,000, so this is a place that protects your downside more than it lifts your ceiling.
The low price is the real argument for enrolling. You borrow little, and if you cover two years here before transferring to a four-year school, you cut the total cost of a bachelor's degree substantially. That transfer path is where the earnings math improves, because the earnings figure here reflects associate-level and certificate completers, not a bachelor's outcome.
The graduation rate is the specific risk. Fewer than a third of students finish, so the low net price only pays off if you're in the group that completes. If you stall out with credits and no credential, you've spent money and time for weak earnings gains. Have a clear finish line before you start.
The income tiers show why this school works for lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $3,258 a year, roughly $4,300 less than a family over $110,000. Even at the top tier, the price stays low, so cost is not a barrier at any income here.
This is a good financial fit if you're paying your own way, planning to transfer, or want a credential without debt. Look elsewhere if you need a program with strong standalone earnings and you can afford a four-year school directly, since the completion rate and median earnings here leave real money on the table.
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.