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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt path with a modest payoff. You borrow around $7,390 median and pay well under six figures over four years, so the downside risk here is small. The tradeoff is a middling median earnings figure a decade out and a graduation rate that sits at 41%, meaning more than half of students don't finish on time or at all. The math works if you finish. it works against you if you drift.
The clear winner is nursing. The associate nursing program pays the most of any credential here, and it justifies the extra debt that comes with it (around $8,680, above the school median). Precision Metal Working is the strongest bet if you want to skip healthcare, landing near $49,000 with the standard low debt load. The allied health programs cluster in the mid-$40,000s, and here the certificate actually out-earns the associate degree in the same field, so paying for the longer credential doesn't clearly buy you more.
The financial risk is finishing. At this net price, dropping out costs you little in dollars but wastes your time and leaves you without the credential that makes the earnings numbers real. Nothing on this list is a bachelor's program, so treat these as two-year outcomes or as a cheap start before transferring.
Net price barely moves with income. If your family earns under $30k you pay about $4,300. over $110k you pay roughly $8,900. That flatness makes this a strong deal for lower-income families and a reasonable one even at the top.
This school fits you if you want a career credential in nursing, allied health, or skilled trades without taking on debt. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's-level program directly or want earnings well above the mid-$40,000s.
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.