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 gives you a low-cost path with a modest payoff, and the return depends almost entirely on which program you pick. Median debt sits under $9,000, so you won't leave buried in loans. But median earnings ten years out land around $37,000, which is close to what you'd make without any degree at all. That gap between "cheap" and "worth it" is the whole story here.
Health care is where the money is. Nursing graduates out-earn the median by roughly $17,000, and dental support and allied health diagnostic programs both clear $42,000. If you finish one of these associate degrees, the math works clearly in your favor against the school's cost. Vehicle maintenance sits at the bottom of the listed programs, near the overall median, so the wage bump there is thin.
The real risk is the 40% graduation rate. More than half of students don't finish, and if you're one of them, you pay the price without the credential that makes it pay off. The health programs justify the cost. a partial degree does not.
On price, your family income matters a lot. If you're under $30,000, you pay around $8,700 a year. Over $110,000, that jumps to nearly $17,000 , roughly double. For lower-income families the cost is manageable against a nursing salary. for higher earners the value case narrows unless you land in a health program.
This school fits you if you're committed to nursing or allied health and plan to finish. If you're undecided or drawn to the lower-paying tracks, look harder at whether the credential clears the cost, or use ICC as a cheap transfer step toward a four-year degree.
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.