At $19,558/yr net price, Generations College graduates earn $34,706/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $706/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,558 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $78,232 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,706/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$706/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 110.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 6.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,106/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,266/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,122/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,660/yr |
The Risk Factor
6.5% of students at Generations 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
Generations College delivers poor financial returns with a median 10-year earnings figure of $34,706 that barely justifies the $19,558 annual cost. The school's 6.5% graduation rate means most students leave without completing their programs, making the investment particularly risky.
Your debt burden will likely outweigh your earning potential at this institution. With median debt of $25,250 and relatively low post-graduation earnings, you face a challenging payback period that could strain your finances for years. The math works against you when nearly 94% of students fail to graduate.
This school makes financial sense only if you have specific circumstances that other institutions cannot address. The high percentage of students receiving financial aid suggests the college attracts students with limited options, but the outcomes data indicates these students would benefit more from community colleges with stronger completion rates and lower costs.
Chicago's job market offers opportunities in healthcare, business services, and skilled trades, but Generations College's poor graduation rates suggest the school struggles to prepare students for these positions effectively. You would find better value at Chicago City Colleges, which offer similar programs with higher completion rates and lower total costs.
Avoid this investment unless you have exhausted all other educational options in the Chicago area. The combination of high costs, poor graduation rates, and modest earnings outcomes creates a financial risk that few students can afford to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Generations College worth the money?
Generations College has serious ROI problems with graduates earning only $34,706 ten years after enrollment while carrying $25,250 in median debt. The 6.5% graduation rate means most students leave without completing their program.
What is the job placement rate for Generations College graduates?
With only 6.5% of students graduating from Generations College, job placement data is limited and not meaningful for prospective students. The low completion rate suggests most students never reach the job market with their intended credentials.
How much debt do Generations College students typically have?
Generations College graduates carry $25,250 in median debt, which is problematic given their $34,706 average earnings after 10 years. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment difficult for many graduates.
What programs at Generations College have the best ROI?
Given the overall low graduation rate of 6.5% and poor earnings outcomes at Generations College, no programs appear to offer strong ROI. Students should carefully research specific program completion rates and job placement data before enrolling.