Head-to-head · 2026
Lakeland Community College vs North Central State College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for Lakeland Community College, 4 for North Central State College — North Central State College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Lakeland Community College | North Central State College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.02 | 20.35 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $7,606 | $4,687 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $39,612 ✓ | $38,158 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 23.5% | 36.1% ✓ |
| Median debt | $14,751 | $8,252 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,773 | 1,273 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Wins | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Lakeland Community College costs $2,919 more per year than North Central State College ($7,606 vs $4,687). Lakeland Community College graduates report $1,454 higher median earnings after ten years ($39,612 vs $38,158). On EduGradify's model that puts North Central State College ahead on projected ROI (20.35 vs 13.02, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (North Central State College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Lakeland Community College vs North Central State College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Lakeland Community College or North Central State College the better value?
North Central State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (20.35 vs 13.02), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
North Central State College is cheaper — average net price $4,687 per year vs $7,606 at Lakeland Community College. The annual difference of $2,919 adds up to about $11,676 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Lakeland Community College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $39,612 vs $38,158 at North Central State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,454.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Lakeland Community College reports a A value grade; North Central State College reports A+.