At $6,839/yr net price, Kaskaskia College graduates earn $38,801/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,801/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,839 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,356 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,801/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,801/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $3,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,186/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,453/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,038/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,173/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $58,673 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $46,380 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $31,314 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,775 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $18,087 |
The Risk Factor
48.5% of students at Kaskaskia 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
Kaskaskia College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused programs but disappointing outcomes for general studies. Your career path choice determines whether this community college becomes a financial win or waste.
The healthcare programs justify the investment. Allied health diagnostic fields can push your earnings to $58,673 annually, while registered nursing graduates earn $46,380. These salaries provide strong returns on the $6,839 annual net price, especially with median debt staying low at $3,750. Practical nursing offers a more modest but still reasonable return at $31,314 yearly.
Liberal arts and general studies tell a different story. Graduates in these programs earn just $19,775 annually, creating a poor financial outcome even at this low-cost school. You cannot build financial security on these wages in today's economy.
The 48% graduation rate presents a significant risk. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, meaning no credential and potential debt with nothing to show for it. This risk applies across all majors but hits hardest in lower-paying fields where you need the credential to access decent jobs.
Kaskaskia makes financial sense if you want healthcare training and can commit to finishing your program. The low debt levels and strong healthcare job market in southern Illinois support good returns for nursing and allied health graduates. Skip this school if you're pursuing general education without a clear transfer plan to a four-year university.
Only 22% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited grant opportunities. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize costs rather than expecting substantial aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kaskaskia College worth the money?
Kaskaskia College offers solid value with a low net price of $6,839 per year and minimal debt of $3,750. However, the 48% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Kaskaskia College?
Allied health and nursing programs at Kaskaskia College produce the best financial returns, with diagnostic/treatment professions earning around $58,673 and registered nursing at $46,380. Liberal arts graduates earn much less at $19,775, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Kaskaskia College graduates have?
Kaskaskia College graduates have relatively low debt at $3,750 median, making it less risky than many schools. The low cost helps keep debt manageable even for students who take longer to complete their programs.
Do Kaskaskia College graduates get good jobs after graduation?
Kaskaskia College graduates in healthcare fields see strong job prospects with earnings well above the overall average of $38,801. General studies graduates face tougher job markets with significantly lower earning potential.