At $6,596/yr net price, John Wood Community College graduates earn $38,631/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,631/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,596 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $26,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,631/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,631/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,029 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,642/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,980/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,296/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,638/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,913/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 | $54,192 | $13,373 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $32,925 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $25,774 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $21,508 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,424 | $8,393 |
The Risk Factor
45.9% of students at John Wood Community 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
John Wood Community College delivers solid returns for specific career paths but falls short for others. At $6,596 per year, the school keeps costs manageable, though the 46% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without completing their programs.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $54,192 annually. Even with higher debt loads of $13,373, nursing students see strong payback on their investment. Agricultural business graduates also perform well in this rural Illinois market, earning $35,060 in a region where farming and agribusiness dominate the economy.
Precision metal working offers decent returns at $32,925, reflecting demand from local manufacturing. However, students in biological and physical sciences face limited prospects, earning just $25,774 after graduation. The practical nursing program produces particularly weak returns at $21,508, barely above what you could earn without a degree.
Your biggest financial risk here is the graduation rate. With less than half of students finishing their programs, you face real chances of accumulating debt without earning credentials. The school works best for students with clear career goals in nursing or agriculture who can handle the completion challenge.
Financial aid reaches fewer than 40% of students, so don't count on significant grant money. The low median debt of $8,029 reflects the school's affordability rather than generous aid packages. You should consider John Wood if you live locally and want nursing or agricultural training, but look elsewhere if you need stronger academic support or are considering the weaker-paying programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is John Wood Community College worth the money?
John Wood Community College offers solid value with a low net price of $6,596 per year and modest debt levels around $8,000. However, the 46% graduation rate is concerning, and average earnings of $38,631 after 10 years are below national averages for college graduates.
What are the best paying programs at John Wood Community College?
Registered Nursing leads with median earnings of $54,192, followed by Agricultural Business at $35,060 and Precision Metal Working at $32,925. These technical programs offer the strongest return on investment at the school.
How much debt do John Wood Community College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $8,029 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost helps keep debt levels reasonable even with the school's below-average graduation rate.
Does John Wood Community College have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary significantly by program at John Wood Community College. Nursing and skilled trades programs show strong earning potential, but other programs like Biological Sciences average only $25,774, making careful program selection important.