Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,768
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,826
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.1%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $83/mo
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 | $44,933 | $10,250 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $36,848 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,300 | $6,851 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $19,592 |
Outcomes Overview
Heartland graduates earn a median of $40,768 ten years after leaving, while carrying just $7,826 in debt. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 19%, well below the concerning 30% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $83 represent about 2.4% of typical graduate income, making repayment manageable for most. The college's strong career training programs funnel graduates into healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades that anchor central Illinois's economy. With 94.9% of graduates finding employment and relatively low debt burdens, students get solid preparation for middle-class careers without the financial stress common at four-year schools. This represents a strong return on investment for practical career training.