Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 37.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $35,274
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $4,909
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $52/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,731 | $4,954 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $43,319 | $6,587 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,568 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,227 | $3,500 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $18,771 |
Outcomes Overview
Carl Sandburg graduates carry a median debt of $4,909, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.14 compared to their $35,274 median earnings after ten years. Monthly loan payments of $52 represent only 1.8% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 95.4% employment rate reflects strong job placement in west-central Illinois industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. Many graduates enter skilled trades or complete their bachelor's degrees at four-year universities through established transfer agreements. With an average net price of just $1,036 after aid, students get practical career training without crushing debt burdens. This represents a strong return on investment for vocational preparation and transfer education.