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 pays off if you pick the right program. At $6,212 a year with median debt under $9,000, your cost stays low enough that even the median $43,424 earnings ten years out clears the bar. The financial risk here is not debt, it's the 38% graduation rate. Drop out and you carry the cost with none of the payoff.
The health programs are where the money is. An associate in dental support services or registered nursing puts you near $58,000, and nursing does it while keeping debt around $11,400. Allied health diagnostic work lands in the same range. These are the degrees that turn a two-year investment into a strong return in the Lake County job market.
Vehicle maintenance and repair pays less, around $41,565, but still a solid outcome for the low cost and a stable trade. The legal support certificate sits at the bottom at $37,208, and it's a certificate, not a degree. Treat it as a modest step, not a career on its own.
Net price barely moves with income at the low end. If your family makes under $48,000, you pay in the $5,000s. Cross $110,000 and it climbs to $9,823, still cheap for two years. No income tier here faces a price that changes the math.
This school fits you if you're aiming at nursing, dental, or allied health and plan to finish. It's a smart, low-cost start toward a four-year degree too. Look elsewhere if you want a program outside the health and trades lineup, since the earnings data that pays off is concentrated there. The one thing that sinks the return is not finishing, so go in committed to the credential.
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.