Lone Star College System demonstrates exceptional affordability across all student populations, ranking at the 91. 1st percentile nationally for affordability performance.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $11,252 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,657 |
| $30–48k | $11,515 |
| $48–75k | $11,128 |
| $75–110k | $13,120 |
| $110k+ | $14,572 |
Lone Star College System demonstrates exceptional affordability across all student populations, ranking at the 91.1st percentile nationally for affordability performance. In-state tuition stands at $3,090 annually, with out-of-state tuition at $8,700, creating accessible entry points for Texas residents and regional students. The average net price of $9,322 represents substantial savings compared to the peer median of $14,170, providing $4,848 in annual cost advantages for families.
Net prices range from $8,245 for families earning under $30,000 to $14,153 for families earning over $110,000, demonstrating progressive pricing that prioritizes support for lower-income students. The gap between sticker price and net price reflects significant financial aid targeting, particularly benefiting the 23.1% of students who are Pell-eligible. This cost structure positions Lone Star as an exceptionally affordable pathway to higher education, supporting the institution's role as an Opportunity Builder serving diverse economic backgrounds with minimal financial barriers.
Lone Star College System's financial aid profile reflects its community college mission of broad accessibility. With 23.1% Pell-eligible students, the institution serves a significant population of lower-income learners, though this percentage is typical for community colleges.
The substantial gap between tuition levels and net prices indicates effective financial aid targeting. Net prices remain below $15,000 even for the highest income families, while dropping to $8,245 for families earning under $30,000.
The progressive pricing structure concentrates aid toward students with the greatest financial need. First-generation students comprise 50.5% of enrollment, indicating strong appeal among students from families without prior college experience.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at Lone Star College System rank exceptionally well nationally and compared to peer institutions. Median debt reaches just $8,600, placing the institution at the 86th percentile for low debt levels and $10,900 below the peer median of $19,500.
Debt distribution ranges from $3,152 at the 25th percentile to $9,500 at the 75th percentile, indicating consistently manageable borrowing levels across the student population. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 demonstrates highly sustainable debt loads relative to post-graduation income.
Parent PLUS median debt reaches $13,663 with monthly payments of $181, though this represents raw borrowing figures without family income context. The combination of low student debt and moderate earnings creates favorable conditions for long-term financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
The investment profile at Lone Star College System reflects exceptional value through controlled costs and manageable debt levels. While graduates earn modestly above expectations at -$156, ranking at the 55.2nd percentile, the institution's affordability advantages create strong overall value.
Debt levels of $8,600 versus peer median of $19,500 represent $10,900 in reduced borrowing costs, while net prices average $4,848 below peer institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 indicates sustainable repayment conditions relative to income levels.
Earnings of $42,466 at ten years, combined with minimal debt burdens, support long-term financial stability for graduates. The institution's top-tier affordability ranking at the 91.1st percentile reflects this favorable cost-to-outcome relationship.
