At $10,228/yr net price, Luzerne County Community College graduates earn $40,437/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,437/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,228 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $40,912 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,437/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,437/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 21.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,623/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,347/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,956/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,962/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,782/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $63,005 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $62,674 | $17,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,856 | $13,750 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $35,594 | $12,500 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,119 | $8,068 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $25,484 | $9,084 |
The Risk Factor
21.4% of students at Luzerne 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
Luzerne County Community College delivers strong returns if you pick the right program, but the overall picture shows concerning retention problems. The nuclear technology and nursing programs justify your investment with median earnings above $60,000, while most other fields leave graduates earning less than $40,000 annually.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial outcome here. Nuclear engineering technology graduates earn $63,005 compared to HVAC technicians at $33,993, despite similar program costs. Nursing offers solid returns at $62,674 but requires taking on $17,000 in debt versus the school's $11,000 median. Allied health programs split the difference with $50,856 earnings and moderate debt loads.
The 21% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face real odds of leaving without credentials while still owing money. This pattern suggests either inadequate student support or mismatched expectations about community college demands.
LCCC works best for Pennsylvania residents who can commit fully to high-demand technical programs and have clear career goals. The $10,228 annual cost stays manageable for in-state students, and local employers in healthcare and energy sectors actively hire graduates from top programs. You should look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, plan to transfer to a four-year school, or want flexibility to explore different majors.
The low financial aid participation rate of 35% suggests either a student body with higher family incomes or potential missed opportunities for federal grants. Contact financial aid directly about Pell Grant eligibility and Pennsylvania state grants, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for career-focused programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Luzerne County Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $10,228 annually and graduates earning $40,437 after 10 years, the school offers decent value for the low cost. However, the 21% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What are the best paying programs at Luzerne County Community College?
Nuclear engineering technology ($63,005) and nursing ($62,674) graduates earn the highest salaries and justify the tuition cost. HVAC and dental support programs pay less but still provide reasonable returns given the low debt levels.
How much debt do Luzerne County Community College graduates have?
The median debt is $11,000, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. This low debt load makes the school a safer financial choice even for programs with modest earning potential.
What is the graduation rate at Luzerne County Community College?
Only 21% of students graduate, meaning nearly 4 out of 5 students leave without completing their program. This low completion rate is the biggest risk factor when considering the school's value.