Degree Dividend
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Lawson State Community College vs Bishop State Community College: which has better ROI?

Public, Birmingham AL · vs · Public, Mobile AL

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Lawson State Community College comes closer — median earnings $31,701 against a $12,550 total, vs $29,916 at Bishop State Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLawson State Community CollegeBishop State Community College
Net price / yr$6,275$5,397
Total net cost$12,550$21,588
Median earnings, 10 yrs$31,701$29,916
Median debt
Payback
20-year net return-$345,730-$390,468

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

Which is cheaper, Lawson State Community College or Bishop State Community College?

Bishop State Community College, at $5,397 a year after aid versus $6,275 — a gap of $878 a year, or $9,038 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Lawson State Community College or Bishop State Community College graduates earn more?

Lawson State Community College graduates report a median $31,701 ten years after entry, $1,785 more than the $29,916 at Bishop State 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 graduates more of its students?

36% of students finish at Bishop State Community College, against 27% at Lawson State 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.

Lawson State Community College vs Bishop State Community College: frequently asked questions

Is Lawson State Community College or Bishop State Community College a better value?
Lawson State Community College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Lawson State Community College or Bishop State Community College?
Bishop State Community College: $5,397/yr net price after aid versus $6,275/yr at Lawson State Community College — a difference of $878 a year, or about $9,038 over four years.
Do Lawson State Community College or Bishop State Community College graduates earn more?
Lawson State Community College graduates earn a median $31,701 ten years after entry, versus $29,916 at Bishop State Community College — a $1,785 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.