At $3,041/yr net price, Lurleen B Wallace Community College graduates earn $32,307/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,041 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $12,164 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,307/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,693/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,429/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,601/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,928/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $3,078/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 | $56,302 | |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $46,087 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $32,569 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $31,941 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $18,315 | |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $17,779 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $14,442 |
The Risk Factor
43.2% of students at Lurleen B Wallace Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Lurleen B Wallace Community College delivers strong financial value for specific career paths but weak returns overall. Your median earnings of $32,307 after ten years barely justify even this low-cost education, especially with a concerning 43% graduation rate.
The registered nursing program stands out as the clear winner, generating $56,302 in median earnings that make the investment worthwhile. Electrical maintenance technology also delivers solid returns at $46,087. However, most other programs leave you earning around $32,000, which provides minimal financial advancement over high school wages in rural Alabama.
Your biggest risk is not completing your degree. More than half of students don't graduate, meaning you could waste time and money without gaining credentials. The practical nursing program presents another concern, paying just $31,941 despite requiring significant coursework and clinical hours.
This school makes financial sense if you can secure admission to the RN program or electrical technology track and you're confident about completing the degree. The location in Andalusia limits your job market primarily to southern Alabama, where lower living costs partially offset modest wages.
You should look elsewhere if you want broader career options or higher earnings potential. Four-year universities or community colleges in larger metropolitan areas offer better long-term financial prospects for most fields of study. Only pursue LBWCC if you specifically want nursing or electrical training and plan to work locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lurleen B Wallace Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $3,041 per year and graduates earning $32,307 annually after 10 years, the school offers decent value for its low cost. However, the 43% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Lurleen B Wallace Community College?
Registered nursing graduates earn the most at $56,302 annually, followed by electrical maintenance technology at $46,087. These programs justify the investment better than most others at the school.
How much debt do Lurleen B Wallace Community College students typically have?
The low net price of $3,041 per year means most students avoid heavy debt loads. Students who complete programs in nursing or skilled trades typically see positive returns within a few years.
Does Lurleen B Wallace Community College have a good graduation rate?
No, only 43% of students graduate from Lurleen B Wallace Community College. This means over half of students who enroll don't complete their programs, which wastes time and money.