At $6,182/yr net price, College of DuPage graduates earn $46,909/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,909/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,182 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,728 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,909/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,909/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,410 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,576/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,776/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,500/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,927/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,534/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,967 | $9,000 |
The Risk Factor
24.2% of students at College of DuPage 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
College of DuPage delivers solid financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning $46,909 ten years after enrollment against a low net price of $6,182 annually. Your investment pays back quickly compared to four-year alternatives.
The graduation rate of 24% reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing their associate degree, making this figure less meaningful than at four-year schools. Those who do complete programs leave with manageable debt of $10,410 on average.
Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn $25,967 annually, which represents typical community college outcomes for transfer-focused programs. Career-focused technical programs likely offer stronger earning potential, though specific data for those majors was not available.
You face minimal financial risk here. The low cost structure means you can afford to explore different paths or change majors without devastating debt accumulation. Only 20% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most can cover costs through family resources or part-time work.
College of DuPage works best if you plan to transfer to complete a bachelor's degree or need specific career training at low cost. The location in DuPage County provides access to Chicago-area job opportunities, which helps explain the strong post-graduation earnings relative to the modest investment.
Skip this option if you need extensive financial aid packages or want the full four-year college experience from the start. The school serves its purpose as an affordable stepping stone but won't provide the networking or campus life that some students prioritize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of DuPage worth the cost compared to other community colleges?
College of DuPage offers decent value with a low net price of $6,182 per year and moderate debt of $10,410. However, the 24% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their programs.
What is the job market outlook for College of DuPage graduates?
Graduates earn around $46,909 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable for a community college. The low graduation rate means many students never reach this earning potential.
Which College of DuPage programs provide the best return on investment?
Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates earn about $25,967, which is below the overall average. Students should consider transfer programs or career-focused certificates rather than completing associate degrees in general studies.
How much student debt do College of DuPage students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $10,410, which is manageable for most graduates. The bigger risk is not graduating at all, given that three-quarters of students don't complete their programs.