Students at Lane College gain access to higher education opportunities that might not otherwise be available, with the institution serving nearly 80% Pell-eligible students in a supportive small college environment.
While earnings outcomes are modest, graduates do earn more than expected compared with similar students at comparable institutions, and the college provides affordable private education for underrepresented populations.
Lane College ranks among private nonprofit institutions with a distinctive mission focused on access rather than earnings outcomes. Located in Jackson, Tennessee, this small historically black college serves a student body where nearly 80% receive Pell Grants and about 45% are first-generation college students, reflecting one of the highest access rates in the country. The institution's commitment to serving underrepresented students places it in the 98th percentile nationally for access, though this comes with trade-offs in graduation rates and long-term earnings.
Graduates earn a median of $31,670 ten years after enrollment, which places Lane College in the 40th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. However, the institution does provide some earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning about $2,858 more than similar students at comparable institutions. The college's small size and personalized approach create a supportive environment, though completion rates remain challenging with about 17% of students graduating within six years.
For families seeking an affordable path to higher education with strong community support, Lane College offers net prices around $14,494 for low-income students. The institution represents the classic trade-off between access and outcomes, serving students who might not otherwise attend college while working to improve their long-term success rates.
Lane College's program portfolio reflects its mission to provide practical, accessible education in fields that serve local and regional employment needs. Business Administration and Management stands as the institution's flagship program, graduating 41 students annually with early-career earnings around $23,340. While these earnings are modest compared to business programs at other institutions, the program provides foundational skills in management, finance, and organizational leadership that can support career growth over time.
Applied/Public Sociology represents another core offering, graduating about 20 students annually with early earnings around $21,508. This program prepares students for careers in social services, community development, and public sector work—fields that may not offer high starting salaries but provide meaningful career paths for students committed to community service and social impact.
The limited program array reflects Lane College's small size and focused mission rather than comprehensive academic breadth. Both major programs emphasize practical skills and community engagement over high-earning specializations, aligning with the institution's role in preparing students for stable, service-oriented careers. Students considering Lane College should understand that program outcomes depend heavily on individual initiative, networking, and potential additional training or education after graduation to maximize career potential in these foundational fields.
Lane College graduates see modest long-term earnings that reflect both the institution's mission and the challenges facing its student population. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $31,670, placing the college in the 40th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. While these figures are below national averages, Lane College graduates do earn about $2,858 more than similar students at comparable institutions, showing some positive earnings beyond expectations despite the overall modest outcomes.
The institution's program portfolio centers on practical fields that serve local and regional employment needs. Business Administration and Management represents the largest program with 41 graduates earning a median of $23,340 early in their careers, while Applied/Public Sociology graduates about 20 students annually with early earnings around $21,508. These programs reflect Lane College's focus on accessible professional preparation rather than high-earning specialized fields.
Earnings outcomes at Lane College require realistic expectations. With only 25 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the institution serves students who may face additional barriers to high-earning careers. The college's value lies not in producing high earners but in providing educational access to students who might not otherwise attend college, with graduates earning modestly but meaningfully more than they would without a degree.
Lane College offers strong affordability for the students it serves, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. Low-income students pay a net price of about $14,494 annually, which represents good value for a private nonprofit institution. The college's pricing structure reflects its mission to serve students who might not otherwise afford higher education, though net price data for middle- and higher-income families is not available, suggesting most students come from lower-income households.
Debt levels at Lane College require careful consideration given the modest earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $30,500 in federal student loan debt, a substantial amount relative to their early-career earnings of around $31,670 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages about $8,313, which is relatively modest but still represents a meaningful financial commitment for families already facing economic constraints. The combination of moderate debt levels with lower earnings creates repayment challenges that families should carefully evaluate.
What makes Lane College's affordability story complex is the relationship between access and financial sustainability. While the institution provides educational opportunities to students who might not otherwise attend college, the debt-to-income ratio requires graduates to manage loan payments carefully. The college's 0% default rate suggests that most borrowers eventually manage their obligations, though the loan repayment trajectory shows very slow progress in paying down balances during the early post-graduation years.
Lane College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
