So what is an institute?
Well, we are very different from your typical community college! An institute is an organizational body that is created for a certain purpose and may be a part of a university system. With a FY 2017 enrollment (credit, non-credit, and dual-credit) of 6,714 students, LIT is a proud member of the Texas State University System. Our sole certain purpose is to provide technical skills/training that help to transform lives and drive the economic vitality in the communities we serve.

For example:

  • In terms of our economic impact, LIT graduates are responsible for $144.2 million in additional income to Southeast Texas (2014 EMSI study).
  • According to the US Department of Education (DoE), of all two-year public colleges, LIT was No. 1 in Texas and tied No. 3 in the nation for having the highest student median salary 10-years after graduation.
  • Our LIT Guarantee! Students that complete a two-year program of study will have job skills for entry level employment in the occupational field for which they were trained.
  • In 2015, among all two-year public institutions, Community College Week ranked LIT No. 7 in having the most Science Technology graduates in the nation.

Did you know? We also have financial aid available as well as offer 25 Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degrees, 6 new Academic Transfer Associate Degrees (AA/AS), and 27 Certificates. Some of our more diverse programs are in Process Operating, Accounting Technology, Computer Information Systems, Instrumentation, Dental Hygiene, and Welding just to name a few. To hear more about all of our programs, please call us or visit with our friendly faculty and staff. You will be glad that you did.

If you want success, the ‘American Dream’ is alive and well at LIT. As a former two-year college student (welding, drafting, and transfer), I have once walked in your shoes. And based on my life, I know the training you receive today - can create a better future for you tomorrow. To help with this cost, LIT students may apply for my new $4,500 Presidential Scholarship.

Again, welcome. I will see you soon around campus.

Dr. Lonnie L. Howard
President