At $2,651/yr net price, City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College graduates earn $41,625/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,625/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,651 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $10,604 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,625/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,625/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,621/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,658/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,708/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $5,744/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,500/yr |
The Risk Factor
32.5% of students at City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright 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
Wright College gives you low cost and low debt, but the payoff after graduation is modest. At $2,651 a year in net price and a median debt of $6,500, you leave with less debt than one year of tuition at most four-year schools. That keeps your financial risk small. The problem is on the other side: median earnings ten years out sit at $41,625, which is a working wage but not a strong return if you stop at this credential.
The 32.5% graduation rate is the real risk here. Two out of three students who start do not finish on time, and an unfinished associate degree still costs you tuition and time without the earnings bump. Since Wright is a two-year school, the earnings figure reflects a mix of transfers and people who leave with a certificate or associate degree. The best financial move is treating Wright as a transfer step toward a bachelor's rather than an endpoint.
The net price tiers make this school a clear fit if your family earns under $48k. At that income you pay under $2,700 a year, and the debt load stays tiny. If your family earns over $110k, you pay $8,500, which still undercuts almost any four-year option, but the earnings ceiling matters more the more you pay.
Wright works for you if you want a cheap, low-debt start and plan to transfer or move into a specific local field. It works less well if you expect an associate degree alone to lift your earnings well past $41,625. Enroll with a transfer plan or a targeted certificate, finish it, and the low cost turns into a good deal. Drift without a plan, and the low graduation rate is a warning worth taking seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College worth the cost?
With a net price of $2,651 per year and graduates earning $41,625 after 10 years, Wilbur Wright College offers decent value for the low cost. However, the 32.5% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What is the return on investment for City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College graduates?
Graduates typically earn $41,625 ten years after starting, which is reasonable given the low annual cost of $2,651. The median debt of $6,500 is manageable compared to most colleges.
Do City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College students graduate with high debt?
No, the median debt is only $6,500, which is well below the national average. The low tuition costs help keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What are the job prospects after graduating from City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College?
Ten-year earnings average $41,625, which reflects the community college's focus on career training and certificates. The biggest risk is the low 32.5% graduation rate, not post-graduation employment.