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 gives you a modest but real payoff, and it hinges almost entirely on which associate degree you pick. The median graduate earns about $40,000 ten years out against roughly $11,000 in debt, so most students carry less than one year of typical pay in loans. That low-debt profile is the college's main financial strength, and it takes some of the sting out of the 21% graduation rate.
The health and technical programs are where the money is. Nuclear engineering technology and registered nursing both clear $62,000, and both do it with a two-year credential. Nursing carries $17,000 in debt, the highest on the list, but the paycheck justifies it. Allied health diagnostic and treatment programs land near $51,000 with lighter debt. These fields hire steadily around the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton region, which is what makes those numbers stick.
The lower tier is a warning. Dental support and HVAC both pay around $34,000 to $35,000, and HVAC's return barely beats the school's overall median. If you enroll planning on one of these, you are spending two years for pay that is only slightly above the typical graduate here.
The biggest risk is finishing at all. Four out of five students do not graduate on time, and an unfinished degree still leaves you with the bill. Pick a program with a clear job at the end and commit to completing it.
On price, families earning under $30,000 pay about $8,600 a year, while those above $75,000 pay closer to $15,000. If you are low-income and aiming at nursing or a technical field, the math works well here. If you are drawn to dental or HVAC, or unsure you will finish, look harder before committing.
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.