At $2,974/yr net price, City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College graduates earn $36,531/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,531/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,974 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $11,896 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,531/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,531/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,190/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,754/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,862/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,912/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,996/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $29,685 | $5,000 |
The Risk Factor
28.6% of students at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington 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
City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your career goals and completion timeline. The low $2,974 annual net price makes it one of the most affordable options in Chicago, but the 28.6% graduation rate creates significant completion risk that undermines the value proposition for many students.
The median 10-year earnings of $36,531 provide a reasonable return given the minimal investment, translating to roughly $33,000 in annual earnings above the cost once you factor in the typical $5,750 debt load. However, this assumes you actually graduate, which fewer than three in ten students manage to do within the standard timeframe.
The Liberal Arts and Sciences program shows the earnings potential ceiling at $29,685 annually, which reflects the reality that most programs here serve as stepping stones to four-year degrees rather than direct career preparation. You should view Harold Washington as a cost-effective way to complete general education requirements before transferring, not as a terminal degree program.
This school makes financial sense if you need flexible scheduling while working, want to minimize debt before transferring to a four-year institution, or require remedial coursework at an affordable price. You should look elsewhere if you need strong career services, prefer smaller class sizes, or want higher completion rates that reduce the risk of leaving with debt but no credential.
The low percentage of students receiving financial aid reflects the already-subsidized tuition structure. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize returns and minimize the risk of dropping out without a degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College worth the cost?
At $2,974 per year, Harold Washington College offers very affordable education, but graduates earn only $36,531 ten years later. The low graduation rate of 29% means many students don't finish their programs.
What is the ROI for City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College graduates?
The return on investment is weak due to low post-graduation earnings of $36,531 annually. Even with minimal costs and debt under $6,000, the earning potential limits long-term financial gains.
Do any programs at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College have good job prospects?
The most popular programs are Liberal Arts and General Studies, which typically lead to $29,685 in earnings. These general programs often require additional education at four-year schools to improve earning potential.
How much student debt do City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College students graduate with?
Median debt is only $5,750, which is manageable compared to most colleges. The low debt load is the main financial advantage, but it comes with limited earning power after graduation.