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 is one of the cheapest bets in Illinois higher education, with a net price near four figures and median debt under $5,000. That low cost is the whole case here, because the median 10-year earnings of $35,274 are modest and the 37% graduation rate means most of you who enroll won't finish.
Your major decides everything at this school. The associate nursing program pays off cleanly, landing you above $50,000 with debt around what one semester of rent costs. Dental support and practical nursing also clear the median comfortably. The general-studies and biological/physical sciences associate tracks are the trap: they leave you near $19,000, barely above what you'd earn without a degree. If you're taking those to transfer to a four-year school, fine. As a terminal credential, they don't pay.
The main risk is the completion rate. Cheap tuition only helps if you walk away with the credential, and nearly two-thirds of you won't. Enrolling in a low-earning associate track and dropping out leaves you with debt and no wage bump to show for it.
Net price by income makes this a strong deal for lower-income families. If your household earns under $75,000, you pay a few hundred dollars a year. That jumps to about $4,300 at $75-110k and $6,790 above $110k, so the discount is aimed squarely at working families.
This school fits you if you want a health-career associate degree or a cheap two years before transferring. Come in for nursing or dental, and it's one of the best-value options around. Come in undecided for a general associate degree and stop there, and the payoff isn't there.
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.