At $1,036/yr net price, Carl Sandburg College graduates earn $35,274/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,274/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,036 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $4,144 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,274/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,274/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $4,909 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $557/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $262/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $4,251/yr |
| $110,001+ | $6,790/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
37.0% of students at Carl Sandburg College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Carl Sandburg College delivers strong financial value with a net price of just $1,036 per year, making it one of the most affordable pathways to career training in Illinois. The low cost structure means you can complete programs with minimal debt while accessing healthcare careers that pay well above the regional average.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $50,731 annually while carrying only $4,954 in debt. Dental support services also provides strong returns at $43,319 yearly earnings. These healthcare programs position you for immediate employment in a region where medical professionals command premium wages.
Liberal arts and biological sciences programs present weaker financial prospects, with graduates earning under $20,000 annually. If you're considering these paths, view them as transfer preparation rather than terminal degrees, since the earnings alone won't support independent living.
The 37% graduation rate signals completion challenges you'll need to handle. Many students struggle to finish programs, which eliminates any financial benefit. Success here requires strong self-discipline and clear career focus from day one.
Carl Sandburg works best for career-focused students who need affordable healthcare training or skilled trades preparation. The school makes financial sense if you can commit to program completion and target high-earning fields. Students seeking broad academic exploration or prestige credentials should look elsewhere, as the limited program variety and low completion rates create unnecessary risks for uncertain career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carl Sandburg College worth the cost?
With a net price of only $1,036 per year and median debt under $5,000, Carl Sandburg College offers strong financial value despite lower graduation rates. The nursing programs provide solid returns, with registered nursing graduates earning over $50,000 annually.
What programs at Carl Sandburg College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Carl Sandburg College deliver the strongest returns, with registered nursing graduates earning $50,731 and dental support services graduates earning $43,319. Liberal arts and general studies programs show much lower earnings at around $19,000.
How much debt do Carl Sandburg College graduates have?
Carl Sandburg College graduates carry a median debt of $4,909, which is relatively low for higher education. The low tuition costs help keep debt manageable even for students who don't complete their programs.
What are the graduation rates at Carl Sandburg College?
Carl Sandburg College has a 37% graduation rate, which is below average for community colleges. However, the low cost means students face minimal financial risk even if they don't complete their degree.