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
Harold Washington College is cheap, and that is the strongest part of its financial case. At $2,974 a year in net price and $5,750 in median debt, you can finish here without a loan burden that follows you around. That matters because the payoff on the other end is thin: median earnings ten years out sit at $36,531, which is a modest return even against a low cost.
The one program with reported earnings data is the associate in Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, which pays about $29,685. That is a transfer degree, not a terminal one. Its value depends entirely on whether you use it to move into a four-year school. If you stop at the associate and enter the Chicago job market with it, expect earnings near the bottom of that figure.
The biggest risk here is the 28.6% graduation rate. Roughly seven of ten students who start do not finish, and the earnings and debt numbers only apply if you complete. If you leave with debt and no credential, you get the cost without the return.
This school fits you if you have a clear transfer plan and treat the two years as a low-cost step toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution. It is a poor fit if you need a program that leads straight to a well-paying job, because no such program shows up in the data.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. If your family earns under $30k, you pay $2,190. over $110k, you pay $9,996. The jump happens above $48k, where price nearly doubles into the $48-75k tier. Even at the top, the cost stays low compared to most colleges.
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.