At $3,729/yr net price, City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College graduates earn $32,427/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,729 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $14,916 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,427/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,573/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 14.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,375 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,131/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,526/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,747/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,179/yr |
The Risk Factor
14.4% of students at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X 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
Malcolm X College delivers mixed financial returns, with extremely low costs offset by concerning graduation rates and modest earning outcomes. Your net price of just $3,729 annually makes this one of Chicago's most affordable postsecondary options, but the 14% graduation rate creates significant risk that you won't complete your program.
The college's healthcare programs offer the strongest ROI potential. Nursing and medical assistant tracks align well with Chicago's strong healthcare job market, where entry-level positions often start above the school's median graduate earnings of $32,427. These programs also tend to have higher completion rates than the college average. Business and liberal arts programs show weaker returns given the limited career advancement possible with associate-level credentials in these fields.
Your biggest financial risk is non-completion. With fewer than one in six students graduating, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt and time investment without earning a credential. The median debt of $8,375 remains manageable compared to four-year schools, but becomes problematic if you leave without graduating.
Malcolm X College works best financially if you're pursuing healthcare training, need maximum affordability, or plan to transfer credits to a four-year institution. The school struggles to justify its costs for students seeking general education or business credentials who could achieve better outcomes elsewhere. Your financial aid eligibility matters less here since costs stay low regardless, though the 42% aid rate suggests most students qualify for federal grants that can cover tuition entirely.
Focus intensively on program completion strategies if you enroll. The low graduation rate makes academic support services and realistic course loading essential to protecting your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College worth the cost?
Malcolm X College offers very low costs at $3,729 per year, but graduates earn only $32,427 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The extremely low 14% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What is the return on investment for City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College?
The ROI is weak due to low post-graduation earnings of $32,427 annually. While tuition costs are minimal, the 14% graduation rate suggests most students won't see any return on their investment.
How much debt do City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College graduates have?
Graduates who do finish carry a median debt of $8,375, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. However, with post-graduation earnings around $32,000, even this modest debt represents a significant burden.
Which programs at City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College have the best job prospects?
Healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting typically offer the strongest earning potential among community college programs. Students should research specific program completion rates and local job market demand before enrolling.