Rivier 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 28.9 years at Rivier University, on median earnings of $51,182 vs $52,248 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Rivier University | Lakes Region Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $28,082 | $13,124 |
| Total net cost | $112,328 | $26,248 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,248 | $51,182 |
| Median debt | $26,956 | $18,525 |
| Payback | 28.9 yrs | 9.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$34,568 | $30,192 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Rivier University or Lakes Region Community College?
Lakes Region Community College, at $13,124 a year after aid versus $28,082 — a gap of $14,958 a year, or $86,080 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Rivier University or Lakes Region Community College graduates earn more?
Rivier University graduates report a median $52,248 ten years after entry, $1,066 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, Rivier University or Lakes Region Community College?
Lakes Region Community College: its completers carry a median $18,525 in federal loans versus $26,956 at Rivier University, a difference of $8,431. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
52% of students finish at Rivier 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.