At $2,943/yr net price, Danville Area Community College graduates earn $34,867/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $867/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,943 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $11,772 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,867/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$867/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 37.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,218 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,026/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,052/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $4,949/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,218/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,898/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $59,124 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,420 | $7,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,322 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $25,194 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,329 | $7,025 |
The Risk Factor
37.9% of students at Danville Area Community 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
Danville Area Community College delivers strong financial returns for health program graduates but offers limited value in other fields. At $2,943 annually, the low cost keeps debt manageable, but your program choice determines whether you get meaningful career advancement.
The Allied Health Diagnostic program produces the strongest outcomes, with graduates earning $59,124 within ten years. Registered Nursing follows closely at $52,420, making both programs solid investments that justify the time and modest debt load. These health-focused degrees align well with regional healthcare demand in east-central Illinois.
Liberal Arts and Humanities graduates face poor financial prospects, earning just $22,329 after ten years while carrying $7,025 in debt. This represents one of the weaker community college returns nationally. Health and Medical Administrative Services also underperform at $29,322, barely exceeding what many high school graduates earn locally.
The 38% graduation rate signals completion challenges you should consider seriously. Many students who start never finish, losing both time and money. However, those who do complete health programs typically find stable employment in the Danville area's medical facilities.
Financial aid reaches only 24% of students, suggesting most pay the full net price. This actually works in your favor given the low sticker price, but limits scholarship opportunities if you need additional support.
Choose Danville if you want affordable healthcare training and plan to work regionally. The nursing and diagnostic programs offer clear career paths with solid earning potential. Avoid this school for general education or if you need extensive student services, as the low graduation rate suggests limited support systems for struggling students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Danville Area Community College worth the cost?
With a net price of $2,943 per year and median debt of only $7,218, Danville Area Community College offers good value if you choose the right program. Healthcare programs like nursing ($52,420 median earnings) and allied health diagnostics ($59,124) provide strong returns, but general studies graduates earn just $22,329.
What are the best paying programs at Danville Area Community College?
Allied health diagnostic programs lead with $59,124 in median earnings, followed by registered nursing at $52,420. Avoid general studies and liberal arts programs, which only produce $22,329 in median earnings despite the same time investment.
How much debt do Danville Area Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is $7,218, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with a 38% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their programs and may still carry debt.
Should I go to Danville Area Community College for nursing?
Yes, if you can get into the program and complete it. Nursing graduates earn $52,420 median salary, which easily justifies the low cost and debt levels at Danville Area Community College.