At $5,749/yr net price, City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College graduates earn $31,114/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,749 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,996 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,114/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,886/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,646 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,561/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,260/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,512/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $20,140 |
The Risk Factor
19.5% of students at City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey 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-Olive-Harvey College delivers mixed financial returns that heavily depend on your program choice and career goals. The low net price of under $6,000 annually keeps debt manageable, but the 19% graduation rate creates significant completion risk that could leave you with debt and no credential.
Your program selection will make or break the financial outcome here. Ground Transportation stands as the only major with published earnings data, showing relatively modest returns at just over $20,000 annually. Other programs lack clear earnings data, making it difficult to assess their financial viability. The overall median earnings of $31,000 ten years after enrollment suggests most graduates see limited income growth.
The school works best financially if you can complete your program quickly and transfer to a four-year institution, using Olive-Harvey as an affordable stepping stone. With only 31% of students receiving financial aid, you may face fewer grant opportunities than at other community colleges, though the low sticker price partially offsets this disadvantage.
This college makes financial sense if you need flexible scheduling while working, want to test college readiness at low cost, or plan to transfer after completing general education requirements. Avoid Olive-Harvey if you struggle with self-directed learning or need extensive academic support, as the low graduation rate indicates many students fail to complete their programs. The modest earnings outcomes also make this a poor choice if you need quick entry into higher-paying careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College worth the cost?
With a net price of $5,749 per year and 10-year earnings of $31,114, the college offers decent value for specific programs. However, the 19.5% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College?
Ground Transportation is the top-earning program with graduates earning around $20,140 annually. This is significantly below the overall school average, indicating limited high-paying career options.
How much debt do City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College graduates have?
The median debt is $7,646, which is relatively low compared to four-year colleges. Given the earnings potential, this debt level is manageable for graduates who complete their programs.
Should I attend City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College for career training?
The college works best for students seeking affordable, short-term training in specific trades. The low graduation rate means you need strong motivation to finish, and career earnings may be limited compared to other educational options.