At $5,741/yr net price, Joliet Junior College graduates earn $42,889/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,889/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,741 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,964 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,889/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,889/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 20.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,711 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,132/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,663/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,754/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,292/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,406/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 | $61,144 | $10,741 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,863 | $5,950 |
The Risk Factor
20.8% of students at Joliet Junior College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Joliet Junior College delivers solid returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other majors. The nursing program produces graduates earning $61,144 annually with manageable debt of $10,741, creating a strong financial case for this career path at JJC.
Your financial prospects dim considerably outside of nursing. Liberal arts graduates earn just $24,863 per year, barely above poverty wages despite the low debt load. Veterinary technology offers middle-ground earnings at $33,993, but this still represents a modest return on your educational investment.
The school's 21% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. You face a high probability of leaving without credentials, potentially carrying debt with no degree to show for it. This risk is amplified by the fact that only 23% of students receive financial aid, meaning most pay out of pocket.
JJC makes financial sense if you can secure admission to the competitive nursing program and commit to completing it. The low annual cost of $5,741 keeps your financial exposure manageable even if you struggle academically. Adult learners seeking specific technical skills may also find value in targeted certificate programs.
Avoid JJC if you're considering liberal arts or general studies. The earning potential simply doesn't justify even this low-cost education. Traditional four-year college students should look elsewhere unless you need specific prerequisites or want to test your academic readiness before transferring. The combination of low graduation rates and weak job market outcomes for most programs creates substantial financial risk for unfocused students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joliet Junior College worth the cost compared to other schools?
At $5,741 per year, Joliet Junior College offers very low tuition costs with graduates earning $42,889 after 10 years. The nursing programs provide strong returns with median earnings of $61,144, but the 20.8% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What programs at Joliet Junior College have the best return on investment?
Registered nursing and nursing-related programs at Joliet Junior College deliver the strongest ROI with median earnings of $61,144. Veterinary technology graduates earn $33,993, while liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $24,863.
How much student debt do Joliet Junior College graduates typically have?
Joliet Junior College graduates have a median debt of $9,711, which is relatively low for higher education. The affordable tuition keeps debt manageable, though students should focus on high-paying programs like nursing to justify even this modest borrowing.
Does Joliet Junior College's low graduation rate affect its value?
The 20.8% graduation rate at Joliet Junior College is a major concern that significantly impacts the school's value proposition. While costs are low, students face a high risk of not completing their programs and gaining no credential for their investment.