At $5,778/yr net price, Elgin Community College graduates earn $45,516/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,516/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,778 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,112 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,516/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,516/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,390 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,316/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,762/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,320/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,287/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,866/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,964 | $8,680 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $49,019 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $48,432 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $46,478 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $45,305 | |
| Ground Transportation. | Certificate | $42,682 | $2,952 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Associate | $40,188 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $39,741 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $36,674 |
The Risk Factor
41.1% of students at Elgin Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Elgin Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused students, with graduates earning a median $45,516 annually while carrying just $7,390 in debt. The low debt load makes this one of the safer community college bets in Illinois.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $55,964 and justifying the slightly higher $8,680 debt load. The precision metalworking program also pays off well at $49,019, reflecting strong demand from Chicago-area manufacturers. Allied health programs cluster around $45,000-$48,000, providing steady middle-class incomes with minimal debt risk.
The 41% graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk here. If you struggle with self-direction or need extensive academic support, you might not finish. Failed attempts mean debt without credentials.
You should consider Elgin if you want specific career training without the debt burden of a four-year school. The nursing and metalworking programs offer particularly strong job placement in the Chicago suburbs. Skip this school if you need a bachelor's degree for your career goals or prefer a traditional college experience.
With only 22% of students receiving financial aid, most pay the full $5,778 net price. The school appears to have limited merit scholarship opportunities, making it primarily a pay-as-you-go option. Your best cost strategy involves completing programs quickly to minimize opportunity costs while maximizing the return on this relatively affordable investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elgin Community College worth the money?
Elgin Community College offers strong value with a low net price of $5,778 per year and modest debt levels averaging $7,390. The nursing and precision metalworking programs show solid earning potential, with nursing graduates earning around $56,000 annually.
What are the highest paying programs at Elgin Community College?
Nursing programs at Elgin Community College lead earnings at nearly $56,000 annually, followed by precision metalworking at $49,000. Allied health programs also perform well, with most graduates earning $45,000-$48,000 per year.
How much debt do Elgin Community College graduates have?
Elgin Community College graduates carry relatively low debt with a median of $7,390. This manageable debt load, combined with the school's affordable tuition, reduces financial risk for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Elgin Community College?
Elgin Community College has a 41% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges but means many students don't complete their programs. Students should have clear goals and realistic timelines before enrolling.