At $17,945/yr net price, Illinois College graduates earn $52,575/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,575/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,945 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,780 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,575/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,575/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,565 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,197/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,627/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,241/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,505/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,362/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $26,500 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $38,289 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $35,420 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $30,047 | $26,533 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
61.1% of students at Illinois College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Illinois College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice and career goals. The $17,945 net price positions this small liberal arts college as affordable compared to similar private institutions, but graduates face significant earning limitations in most programs.
Accounting stands out as the clear financial winner, generating nearly $44,000 in median earnings despite $26,500 in debt. Finance follows at a distant second with $38,289 in earnings. However, the majority of programs produce concerning returns. Sociology graduates earn just $35,420 annually while carrying similar debt loads, creating a challenging payback scenario. The interdisciplinary studies program yields only $32,925 in median earnings.
You face specific risks at Illinois College beyond low earning potential. The 61% graduation rate means two in five students leave without a degree while potentially carrying debt. The 70% retention rate signals student satisfaction issues that could affect your academic experience and networking opportunities.
This school works financially if you plan to study accounting or finance and value small-class environments over earning potential. The low net price makes it accessible for families seeking private education without elite-level costs. However, you should look elsewhere if you need strong career services, extensive alumni networks, or programs that command higher salaries in competitive job markets.
With only 35% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships may be limited. Focus your application on demonstrating academic achievement that could unlock institutional grants. Consider Illinois College primarily if you can graduate debt-free or with minimal borrowing, as most programs will not generate sufficient income to justify significant educational debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Illinois College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Illinois College's graduates earn $52,575 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $17,945 per year and median debt of $25,565, the return on investment is modest but manageable for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Illinois College?
Accounting graduates from Illinois College earn the highest salaries at $43,798 annually. Finance and writing studies graduates both earn around $38,289, while sociology and interdisciplinary studies majors earn significantly less at $35,420 and $32,925 respectively.
Do Illinois College graduates struggle with student debt?
Illinois College graduates have a median debt of $25,565, which is reasonable given the school's lower tuition costs. However, the 61% graduation rate means many students take on debt without completing their degree.
Should I choose Illinois College over a state university?
Illinois College costs more than most state schools but offers smaller classes and more personal attention. The trade-off is lower earning potential compared to graduates from larger state universities, making it better suited for students who value the small college experience over maximum financial returns.