Franklin Pierce University vs Lakes Region Community College: which has better ROI?
Lakes Region Community College has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $26,248 in 9.3 years versus 21.8 years at Franklin Pierce University, on median earnings of $51,182 vs $53,353 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Franklin Pierce University | Lakes Region Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $27,154 | $13,124 |
| Total net cost | $108,616 | $26,248 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,353 | $51,182 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $18,525 |
| Payback | 21.8 yrs | 9.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$8,756 | $30,192 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Franklin Pierce University or Lakes Region Community College?
Lakes Region Community College, at $13,124 a year after aid versus $27,154 — a gap of $14,030 a year, or $82,368 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Franklin Pierce University or Lakes Region Community College graduates earn more?
Franklin Pierce University graduates report a median $53,353 ten years after entry, $2,171 more than the $51,182 at Lakes Region Community College. 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, Franklin Pierce University or Lakes Region Community College?
Lakes Region Community College: its completers carry a median $18,525 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Franklin Pierce University, a difference of $8,475. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at Franklin Pierce University, against 46% at Lakes Region Community College. 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.