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Lone Star College System

The Woodlands, TX·Public·47,486 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who want a major research university experience. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here. a public school with 47,486 students.

N/A
Accept
47,486
Students
$9,322
Net Price
19%
Grad Rate
$40,800
Earnings
10 yr
$5,500
Debt

About This School

Lone Star College System is a public institution located in The Woodlands, Texas with approximately 47,486 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $9,322 per year. The graduation rate is 19%, and the typical graduate earns $40,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

Lone Star College System (LSCS) is a public community college system serving the northern portions of the Greater Houston, Texas, area. As of fall 2025, it enrolls over 95,000 students. The headquarters of the Lone Star College System are located in The Woodlands and in unincorporated Montgomery County, Texas.

With a median debt of just $5,500 at graduation and a net price of around $9,322 per year, this is one of the most affordable paths to a degree or credential in the Houston area, making it a smart starting point for students watching their finances. However, the 19% graduation rate is a real concern — it suggests many students who enroll don't finish, which is worth taking seriously whether the cause is life circumstances, academic support gaps, or transfer patterns. If you're disciplined about your goals and have a clear plan (especially if you're aiming to transfer to a four-year school), the low cost and massive enrollment make this a genuinely practical option — just go in with a strategy, not just a hope.

Founded
1973
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing13%
Health Professions10%
Computer Science4%
Education4%
Social Sciences1%
Communications0%
Engineering0%
Visual & Performing Arts0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$3,090
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,700
Avg Net Price
$9,322
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants23%
Median debt at graduation$5,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
19%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$5,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$5,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 7.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

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

Student Body

White24%
Black14%
Hispanic/Latino45%
Asian7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (47,486 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Lone Star College System

5000 Research Forest Drive

The Woodlands, TX 77381-4399

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Texas

Browse all Texas 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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