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 gives you a low sticker cost but a weak payoff. You pay $3,729 a year, and your median debt at graduation sits under $9,000. That's cheap by any measure. The problem is what comes after: median earnings ten years out land at $32,427, which is close to what many people earn without any college at all in the Chicago labor market. The math only works because your costs are so low, not because the earnings are good.
The bigger risk here is finishing. The graduation rate is 14.4%. If you enroll and don't complete, you carry whatever debt you took on with no credential to show for it, and even a small loan balance stings when your earnings stay flat. This is the central financial danger at this school, more than price or debt.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so there's no way to point you toward a major that pays and away from one that doesn't. Malcolm X is a two-year college, and its health-focused reputation in Chicago doesn't change what the numbers actually show here.
The net price tiers stay low across incomes. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about $3,131. at $75-110k, you pay $7,179. Even the top tier is affordable compared with most colleges.
This school fits you if you want a low-cost entry point, plan to transfer or move into a specific credentialed job, and are confident you'll finish. If you need strong standalone earnings from a two-year degree, or you're unsure about completing, look elsewhere first.
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.