At $6,212/yr net price, College of Lake County graduates earn $43,424/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,424/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,212 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,848 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,424/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,424/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,735 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,109/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,673/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,505/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,823/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $59,350 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,920 | $11,400 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $55,512 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $41,565 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $37,208 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $31,670 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,598 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
38.3% of students at College of Lake County 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 Lake County delivers solid returns for healthcare and technical programs but weak outcomes for most other fields. Your annual net cost of $6,212 makes this one of the more affordable community colleges in Illinois, though the 38% graduation rate means many students never finish their programs.
The dental support and nursing programs generate strong earnings that justify the investment. Nursing graduates earn $57,920 annually with manageable debt of $11,400, creating a clear path to middle-class income. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $55,512. Auto repair technology offers decent returns at $41,565 for students who want to avoid healthcare.
Legal support services graduates earn just $37,208, barely above what you could make without a degree in the Chicago suburbs job market. The school's overall median earnings of $43,424 fall short of what many bachelor's degree holders achieve, highlighting how program choice matters more than the credential itself.
You face real completion risk here. Nearly two-thirds of students never graduate, wasting time and money. The low graduation rate suggests weak academic support or student preparation issues. Only 24% of students receive financial aid, indicating most pay out of pocket or through loans.
This school works best if you target the high-earning healthcare programs and have clear career goals. Students seeking general education or uncertain about their direction should consider four-year options. The location serves the northwest Chicago suburbs well, but you need discipline to finish and smart program selection to see positive returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Lake County worth the cost?
College of Lake County offers good value with a low net price of $6,212 per year and minimal debt averaging $8,735. However, the 38% graduation rate is concerning and may limit your ability to complete your program.
What are the highest paying programs at College of Lake County?
Dental support services leads at $59,350 annually, followed by nursing programs at $57,920. These healthcare programs offer the strongest return on investment at the school.
How much debt do College of Lake County graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $8,735 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost means most students can avoid heavy borrowing.
Do College of Lake County graduates earn good salaries?
Average earnings of $43,424 after 10 years are modest but reasonable for a community college. Your income potential depends heavily on your program choice, with healthcare fields paying significantly more than the average.