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Lake Erie College

Painesville, OH·Private nonprofit·678 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

64%
Accept
678
Students
$21,296
Net Price
42%
Grad Rate
$40,600
Earnings
10 yr
$13,875
Debt

About This School

Lake Erie College is a private nonprofit institution located in Painesville, Ohio with approximately 678 undergraduate students enrolled. Lake Erie College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 64%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,296 per year. The graduation rate is 42%, and the typical graduate earns $40,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Lake Erie College is a private liberal arts college in Painesville, Ohio, United States. Founded in 1856 as a female seminary, the college converted to a coeducational institution in 1985.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the 42% graduation rate and 66% freshman retention rate suggest that many students who enroll don't finish, which is a real red flag worth pressing the school on before committing. On the positive side, the median debt at graduation is a relatively modest $13,875, and the net price of $21,296/year is manageable for a private college. Worth considering if you're drawn to a small, close-knit liberal arts environment and have a clear plan for staying on track — but go in with eyes open about the completion rates.

Founded
1856
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing24%
Education13%
Psychology10%
Biological Sciences9%
Communications3%
Mathematics3%
Social Sciences3%
Health Professions3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Catherine Curtin

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1114
Reading 75th %ile560
Math 75th %ile555

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite20

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$36,032
Out-of-State Tuition
$36,032
Avg Net Price
$21,296
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants29%
Median debt at graduation$13,875

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
42%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
66%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,875
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,875
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,500
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.9x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White55%
Black14%
Hispanic/Latino9%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (678 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Lake Erie College

391 W Washington St

Painesville, OH 44077-3389

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Ohio

Browse all Ohio schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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