Wyoming’s higher education landscape offers limited choices, primarily consisting of nine colleges and universities, predominantly being public institutions. However, the quality and outcomes of these institutions vary. In a recent ranking by Facts Verse, a platform known for its lists and videos on diverse topics, one institution emerged as the lowest-ranked college in Wyoming: Laramie County Community College (LCCC).
Low Graduation Rate and Job Placement
LCCC’s status as Wyoming’s lowest-rated college can be attributed to its notably low graduation rate. According to Facts Verse, LCCC reports a meager graduation rate of just 25.9 percent. This means that fewer than one-quarter of its students complete their degree programs within the standard six-year timeframe, a far cry from the national average of 62 percent for community colleges.
Another factor that negatively impacts LCCC’s ranking is its underwhelming job placement rate. Reports indicate that only 86 percent of LCCC graduates secure employment immediately after graduation, falling below the national average of 90 percent for community colleges. Furthermore, LCCC graduates start their careers with an average salary of $30,600, which is less than the state median of $34,900.
High Loan Default Rate and Debt
LCCC’s tarnished reputation is further compounded by its high loan default rate and student debt levels. It is reported that LCCC grapples with a loan default rate of 16 percent, signifying that one in six students who borrow money to attend the institution fail to repay their loans within three years of leaving the college. This rate far surpasses the national average of 10.1 percent for community colleges.
Additionally, LCCC students graduate with an average debt load of $18,000, exceeding the national average of $15,000 for community colleges. This means that students at LCCC pay more for their education while reaping comparatively lesser value and return on investment.
In Conclusion
In summary, Laramie County Community College is associated with subpar education quality and disappointing student outcomes. Its substandard graduation and job placement rates, coupled with high loan default rates and student debt burdens, contribute to its ranking as the worst college in Wyoming by Facts Verse. Prospective students in search of a more rewarding college experience and promising career prospects should explore other educational options within the state or beyond.