At $3,166/yr net price, City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College graduates earn $37,962/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,962/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $3,166 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $12,664 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,962/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,962/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $4,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,222/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,293/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,441/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,819/yr |
The Risk Factor
27.6% of students at City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley 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
Richard J. Daley College delivers solid financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning a median $37,962 ten years out while carrying minimal debt loads. Your total borrowing averages just $4,500, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio that most graduates can handle comfortably.
The college's healthcare programs generate the strongest returns in Chicago's expanding medical sector. Nursing, medical assisting, and radiologic technology graduates find steady employment at nearby hospitals and clinics. Skilled trades like HVAC and automotive technology also connect well with local job demand, particularly given Chicago's industrial base and infrastructure needs.
The 27.6% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. You face significant odds of leaving without credentials while still owing money. This makes program selection critical. Stick to career-focused certificates and associate degrees with clear job pathways rather than general studies programs.
Daley works best financially if you're career-focused and need flexible scheduling around work obligations. The low net price of $3,166 makes it accessible for working adults seeking specific skills. You should look elsewhere if you plan to transfer to a four-year university, as the low completion rates suggest academic support may be limited.
Financial aid reaches only 21.68% of students, reflecting the school's low-income student base where many qualify for maximum Pell Grant coverage. This can cover most or all costs for eligible students. Take advantage of workforce development grants available through the city if you're training for high-demand fields like healthcare or manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College worth the cost?
Richard J Daley College offers strong value with a low net price of $3,166 per year and modest debt levels around $4,500. However, the 28% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs, which significantly impacts the return on investment.
What are the job prospects after graduating from City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College?
Graduates earn a median of $37,962 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. The low cost means most graduates can recoup their investment quickly, but only if they actually complete their degree.
How much student debt will I have from City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College?
The median debt is just $4,500, well below national averages for community colleges. With strong financial aid bringing the annual cost down to around $3,166, most students graduate with manageable debt loads.
Does City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College have a good graduation rate?
The graduation rate is 28%, which is low even for community colleges. This means nearly three out of four students don't finish their programs, making completion the biggest risk to getting value from your investment.