At $3,816/yr net price, City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College graduates earn $36,484/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,484/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,816 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $15,264 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,484/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,484/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,997 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,271/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,885/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,710/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,217/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,722/yr |
The Risk Factor
31.5% of students at City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman 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
Truman College keeps your out-of-pocket cost low, and that is the whole case for it. At $3,816 a year net price, and a median debt of $6,997 for those who borrow, you leave with less debt than a single semester at many four-year schools. The return question is whether the payoff matches even that modest cost.
Median earnings ten years out sit at $36,484. That is above what you would earn with no credential at all, but it is not a salary that transforms your finances. Treat Truman as a cheap start, not a destination. The strongest financial move is transferring to a four-year program or stacking a workforce certificate that leads to a specific job, then leaving. Paying two years of net price and walking away without a credential is the outcome to avoid.
The graduation rate is the real risk here. Only 31.5% of students finish. If you are in the two-thirds who leave without completing, you have spent money and time for a credential you never got, and the low net price stops mattering. Your ROI depends almost entirely on whether you finish.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $3,271. over $110,000, you pay $10,722. Truman is built for you if you are paying the bottom tiers, plan to transfer or train for a defined job, and can commit to finishing on schedule. If you can gain admission and funding at a four-year school with a direct path to a bachelor's degree, and you would struggle to stay enrolled long enough to complete here, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College worth the cost?
At $3,816 per year, Harry S Truman College offers one of the most affordable education options in Chicago. The low net price makes it a reasonable choice for students seeking basic credentials or career training without significant debt risk.
What is the job market like for City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College graduates?
Graduates earn a median of $36,484 ten years after enrollment, which is modest but typical for community college programs. The low graduation rate of 31.5% indicates many students don't complete their programs, which limits earning potential.
How much debt do students graduate with from Harry S Truman College?
Students who borrow graduate with a median debt of $6,997, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. The combination of low tuition and available financial aid keeps debt levels reasonable for most students.
Which programs at City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College have the best ROI?
Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting typically offer the strongest return on investment at community colleges. Trade programs in areas like automotive technology or HVAC can also lead to solid middle-class wages relative to the low cost of attendance.