Head-to-head · 2026
Lakeland Community College vs North Central State College
Compare average net price ($7,606 at Lakeland Community College; $4,687 at North Central State College), ROI score (13.02 vs 20.35), ten-year median earnings ($39,612 vs $38,158), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Lakeland Community College; Open / not reported at North Central State College) using federal College Scorecard data. North Central State College has a 4-1 metric-level edge. North Central State College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| 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 | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 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+.