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Collin County Community College District vs Lamar University: which has better ROI?

Public, McKinney TX · vs · Public, Beaumont TX

The verdict

Lamar University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $37,464 in 29 years versus 52.6 years at Collin County Community College District, on median earnings of $49,652 vs $48,701 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCollin County Community College DistrictLamar University
Net price / yr$8,969$9,366
Total net cost$17,938$37,464
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,701$49,652
Median debt$7,500$21,250
Payback52.6 yrs29 yrs
20-year net return-$11,118-$11,624

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Collin County Community College District or Lamar University?

Collin County Community College District, at $8,969 a year after aid versus $9,366 — a gap of $397 a year, or $19,526 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Collin County Community College District or Lamar University graduates earn more?

Lamar University graduates report a median $49,652 ten years after entry, $951 more than the $48,701 at Collin County Community College District. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Collin County Community College District or Lamar University?

Collin County Community College District: its completers carry a median $7,500 in federal loans versus $21,250 at Lamar University, a difference of $13,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

37% of students finish at Lamar University, against 20% at Collin County Community College District. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Collin County Community College District vs Lamar University: frequently asked questions

Is Collin County Community College District or Lamar University a better value?
Lamar University. It clears its $37,464 net cost in about 29 years versus 52.6 years at Collin County Community College District, on median earnings of $49,652 vs $48,701 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Collin County Community College District or Lamar University?
Collin County Community College District: $8,969/yr net price after aid versus $9,366/yr at Lamar University — a difference of $397 a year, or about $19,526 over four years.
Do Collin County Community College District or Lamar University graduates earn more?
Lamar University graduates earn a median $49,652 ten years after entry, versus $48,701 at Collin County Community College District — a $951 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.