Lane College
The Vibe Check
Lane College offers a close-knit, family-like atmosphere where students are not just numbers but faces recognized in the hallways. The small enrollment fosters a supportive environment, but the low retention rate suggests that the academic rigor and campus resources may require students to be exceptionally self-motivated to succeed. It feels like a place where you build deep bonds, but you must be ready to advocate for yourself academically.
Academics & Majors
The academic environment is centered on foundational liberal arts and professional preparation, with strengths in Business, Education, and Criminal Justice. Class sizes are small, allowing for direct interaction with faculty, though resources for high-level research are limited compared to larger institutions. Students benefit from a teaching-focused approach where professors are accessible, but must seek out external opportunities for advanced research experiences.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Jackson
Jackson, Tennessee, provides a mid-sized city experience with a mix of local dining, parks, and cultural sites like the Casey Jones Village. Students often engage in community events and outdoor activities at nearby parks, though the social scene is more low-key compared to major college towns. For those seeking broader entertainment, Memphis and Nashville are within a two-hour drive for weekend trips.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($31,670):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
Campus safety is managed by a dedicated campus police force, but students should remain vigilant as the urban setting of Jackson presents typical city safety considerations. It is advisable to use the campus escort service at night and familiarize yourself with the surrounding neighborhood immediately off-campus.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Flat tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students
- ✓ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors
- ✓ High percentage of students receiving Pell Grants indicates a supportive environment for low-income students
- ✓ Strong focus on workforce-ready majors like Business and Criminal Justice
Cons
- ✗ Low graduation rate (17.4%) suggests significant academic or financial hurdles for students
- ✗ Low retention rate (45.1%) indicates a mismatch for many incoming students or lack of campus support
- ✗ Urban setting in Jackson may lack the traditional 'college town' atmosphere some students seek
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Lane College is historically known for its affiliation with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and its legacy as a Historically Black College (HBCU). Academically, it is recognized for its programs in Business, Education, and Criminal Justice, serving a student body that is predominantly African American and highly dependent on federal financial aid.
Lane College has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants. While specific requirements exist, the acceptance rate is generally high, focusing more on a student's potential and ability to benefit from the program rather than high standardized test scores. However, prospective students should be aware that while admission is accessible, retention and graduation require significant dedication due to the supportive but resource-limited environment.
Campus life is intimate due to the small enrollment of roughly 822 students, fostering a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. Students participate in a variety of student organizations and intramural sports, but the social scene is heavily influenced by the urban location of Jackson, TN. Life here is less about large-scale NCAA sports spectacles and more about community engagement and student-led activities.
The value depends heavily on the student's major and career path. With a flat tuition rate of $11,790, the direct cost is low, but the net price of $14,494 and a median 10-year earnings of $31,670 suggests a modest return on investment. It is most worth it for students who utilize the affordable access to a degree to enter stable fields like education or local civil service, provided they graduate and manage debt carefully.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,195
- In-State Tuition $11,790
- Zip Code 38301
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an out-of-state tuition price that matches the in-state rate, Lane College offers a flat, affordable sticker price for everyone, which is rare and financially advantageous for non-Tennessee residents. However, with a 10-year median earnings of $31,670, graduates must carefully weigh the total cost of attendance against potential income, especially since the net price is slightly above the tuition sticker price. The investment can be worthwhile if the degree leads to stable employment in education or local government, but the ROI requires careful financial planning and debt management.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.