At $11,510/yr net price, Illinois Central College graduates earn $37,366/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,366/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,510 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,040 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,366/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,366/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 13.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,900 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,666/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,666/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,329/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,827/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,792/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 | $54,910 | $10,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $47,846 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,009 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $36,312 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $30,771 | $7,500 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $26,353 | |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $22,578 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,208 | $9,000 |
The Risk Factor
40.4% of students at Illinois Central 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
Illinois Central College delivers solid returns for career-focused students, but your program choice determines everything. The $11,510 annual cost creates manageable debt loads, with most graduates owing under $9,000.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $54,910 in median earnings with only $10,000 in debt. Dental support services and allied health diagnostics also provide strong returns, pushing earnings well above the $37,366 campus median. These health programs justify the investment and position you for stable employment in central Illinois.
Vehicle maintenance and repair technologies earn $36,312, which covers basic living costs but offers limited upward mobility. Other programs drag down the overall numbers, explaining why the college's median earnings lag behind many four-year options.
The 40% graduation rate signals completion challenges. You need strong motivation and clear career goals to succeed here. Transfer students and older adults returning to work typically fare better than recent high school graduates who lack direction.
Only 22% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most pay the sticker price. The low aid percentage means fewer merit scholarships, but the base cost remains reasonable for working adults who can pay as they go.
This school works best if you want specific job training in health care or skilled trades. You should look elsewhere if you plan to transfer to a four-year program, as the low graduation rate suggests academic support may be limited. The regional job market supports the health programs well, but manufacturing jobs in the Peoria area have declined, limiting opportunities for other technical programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois Central College worth the cost?
With a net price of $11,510 per year and median earnings of $37,366 after graduation, Illinois Central College offers reasonable value for a community college. The low median debt of $8,900 keeps financial risk manageable, though the 40% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Illinois Central College?
Nursing programs at Illinois Central College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $54,910 annually. Dental support services ($47,846) and allied health diagnostic programs ($42,682) also offer solid earning potential compared to the school's overall graduate average of $37,366.
How much student debt do Illinois Central College graduates have?
Illinois Central College graduates carry a median debt of $8,900, which is relatively low for higher education. This manageable debt load helps make the investment worthwhile, especially for students in higher-paying health programs.
What is the graduation rate at Illinois Central College?
Only 40% of students graduate from Illinois Central College, which is concerning for return on investment. Students should carefully consider their commitment level and choose programs with clear career paths to avoid becoming part of the 60% who don't complete their studies.