Lincoln College of Technology-Melrose Park ★ Hidden gem
Melrose Park, Illinois · Private, for-profit · 1,539 undergraduates
All 6 programs with reported earnings leave graduates out-earning a typical Illinois high-school graduate (about $36,082/yr).
What families actually pay
| Family income | Net price per year |
|---|---|
| Under $30k | $24,854 |
| $30k to $48k | $25,175 |
| $48k to $75k | $25,405 |
| $75k to $110k | $28,261 |
| $110k and up | $28,983 |
| All families (average) | $25,598 |
Net price is the yearly cost after grants and scholarships, by family income (College Scorecard). Credit: TuitionTracker.
Program earnings vs a high-school graduate
| Program | Credential | Median earnings | vs HS grad | Verdict | Median debt | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma | $37,153 | +$1,071 | clears the bar | $10,932 | 10.2 yrs |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | Associate's Degree | $54,624 | +$18,542 | clears the bar | $19,782 | 1.1 yrs |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma | $50,285 | +$14,203 | clears the bar | $13,062 | 0.9 yrs |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Associate's Degree | $52,745 | +$16,663 | clears the bar | $18,885 | 1.1 yrs |
| Precision Metal Working | Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma | $52,364 | +$16,282 | clears the bar | $9,987 | 0.6 yrs |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma | $53,760 | +$17,678 | clears the bar | $11,931 | 0.7 yrs |
Access and outcomes: 73% of students receive Pell grants · 68% complete their program.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 2026-06-10). Earnings are median earnings of graduates measured up to four years after completing, compared to the state high-school-graduate earnings threshold. Figures describe past graduates and are never a promise. Method: methodology. Something look wrong? Report it.