At $5,190/yr net price, Kankakee Community College graduates earn $38,767/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,767/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,190 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,760 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,767/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,767/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,969 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,219/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,711/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,381/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,209/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,133/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 | $60,298 | $18,100 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $44,542 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $31,314 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,322 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,730 | $7,000 |
The Risk Factor
38.2% of students at Kankakee Community 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
Kankakee Community College delivers solid financial returns for healthcare students but struggles in other areas. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $60,298 annually, making the $18,100 in debt manageable with a payback period under four years. Allied health programs also perform well, with diagnostic and treatment fields reaching $44,542 in median earnings.
Business and criminal justice programs tell a different story. Business graduates earn just $31,314 annually, barely above the regional average for high school graduates. Criminal justice majors fare worse at $29,322, creating questionable returns even with the school's relatively low debt levels.
The school's 38% graduation rate presents a significant risk. If you don't complete your program, you face debt without the credential needed for higher earnings. This completion rate means nearly two-thirds of students leave without finishing their degrees.
You should consider Kankakee Community College if you're pursuing nursing or allied health careers and want to stay local. The healthcare programs justify their costs and connect well to regional hospital systems. The low $5,190 net price makes experimentation affordable if you're unsure about your career direction.
Skip this school if you're targeting business or criminal justice careers unless you have specific local connections. These programs don't generate enough earning power to justify even modest debt levels. You'd likely find better ROI at four-year schools or other community colleges with stronger industry partnerships in these fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kankakee Community College worth the money?
Kankakee Community College offers strong value for nursing and allied health students, with graduates in these fields earning $44,542 to $60,298 annually. However, the 38% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and general business or criminal justice graduates earn around $30,000, which provides limited return on investment.
What programs at Kankakee Community College have the best job prospects?
Registered nursing and allied health programs at Kankakee Community College lead to the highest earnings, with nursing graduates averaging $60,298 per year. Business and criminal justice programs result in much lower salaries around $30,000, making them riskier investments.
How much debt do Kankakee Community College students typically graduate with?
Kankakee Community College graduates carry a median debt of $9,969, which is manageable for nursing and health program graduates but creates payment challenges for those earning $30,000 in other fields. The low net price of $5,190 per year helps keep total debt reasonable.
What is the graduation rate at Kankakee Community College?
Only 38% of students graduate from Kankakee Community College, meaning most who enroll never complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's overall value proposition, even for students in higher-paying nursing tracks.