At $2,065/yr net price, Oglala Lakota College graduates earn $22,517/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,065 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $8,260 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $22,517/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-11,483/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 11.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,188/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,749/yr |
The Risk Factor
11.5% of students at Oglala Lakota 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
Oglala Lakota College presents a challenging financial picture with a median graduate income of $22,517 ten years after enrollment, well below national averages for four-year degree holders. The extremely low 11.5% graduation rate means most students leave without completing their degree, making any return on investment uncertain.
The college's $2,065 annual net price makes it one of the most affordable options nationally, but this low cost cannot offset the earnings concerns. Your financial return depends heavily on whether you actually graduate, which historically happens for only about one in ten students who enroll.
Programs in education and social work align with regional employment opportunities on the Pine Ridge Reservation and surrounding areas, where graduates often work in tribal government, schools, or community organizations. However, these fields typically offer modest salaries that match the college's graduate earnings data.
The 54% retention rate indicates many students struggle to continue beyond their first year, creating financial risk even at this low tuition level. You face the possibility of accumulating debt and time investment without completing your degree.
This college works financially for students committed to serving their tribal community who prioritize cultural connection and local employment over maximizing income. The combination of very low costs and federal financial aid often available to Native American students can make attendance nearly free.
You should look elsewhere if your primary goal is financial advancement or if you need strong academic support systems to succeed. The low graduation and retention rates suggest the college may struggle to provide the structure needed for degree completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oglala Lakota College worth the cost?
Oglala Lakota College has one of the lowest net prices in the country at $2,065 per year, but graduates earn only $22,517 annually ten years after enrollment. The extremely low graduation rate of 11.5% means most students don't finish their degrees.
What is the return on investment for Oglala Lakota College graduates?
The ROI is poor compared to most colleges, with graduates earning about $22,500 annually after ten years. However, the low cost of attendance means students typically graduate with minimal debt.
Do Oglala Lakota College students get good financial aid?
Students pay only about $2,000 per year on average, indicating strong financial aid packages. The low net price makes this one of the most affordable colleges in the nation.
What are the biggest risks of attending Oglala Lakota College?
The main risk is not graduating at all, with only 11.5% of students completing their programs. Even those who do graduate face limited earning potential in the local job market.