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University of Toledo vs Lake Erie College: which has better ROI?

Public, Toledo OH · vs · Private nonprofit, Painesville OH

The verdict

University of Toledo has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $68,996 in 30.4 years versus 40.8 years at Lake Erie College, on median earnings of $50,632 vs $50,417 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of ToledoLake Erie College
Net price / yr$17,249$20,961
Total net cost$68,996$83,844
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,632$50,417
Median debt$22,250$26,000
Payback30.4 yrs40.8 yrs
20-year net return-$23,556-$42,704

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

Which is cheaper, University of Toledo or Lake Erie College?

University of Toledo, at $17,249 a year after aid versus $20,961 — a gap of $3,712 a year, or $14,848 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Toledo or Lake Erie College graduates earn more?

University of Toledo graduates report a median $50,632 ten years after entry, $215 more than the $50,417 at Lake Erie 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, University of Toledo or Lake Erie College?

University of Toledo: its completers carry a median $22,250 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Lake Erie College, a difference of $3,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at University of Toledo, against 38% at Lake Erie 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.

University of Toledo vs Lake Erie College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Toledo or Lake Erie College a better value?
University of Toledo. It clears its $68,996 net cost in about 30.4 years versus 40.8 years at Lake Erie College, on median earnings of $50,632 vs $50,417 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Toledo or Lake Erie College?
University of Toledo: $17,249/yr net price after aid versus $20,961/yr at Lake Erie College — a difference of $3,712 a year, or about $14,848 over four years.
Do University of Toledo or Lake Erie College graduates earn more?
University of Toledo graduates earn a median $50,632 ten years after entry, versus $50,417 at Lake Erie College — a $215 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.