At $6,480/yr net price, Kishwaukee College graduates earn $39,657/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,657/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,480 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,920 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,657/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,657/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 38.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,395 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,532/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,252/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,816/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,956/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 | $63,005 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,026 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $26,997 | $7,992 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $26,933 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,999 | $8,150 |
The Risk Factor
38.4% of students at Kishwaukee 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
Kishwaukee College delivers strong returns if you choose the right program, but the overall financial picture shows concerning gaps. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $63,005 annually against minimal debt, making it one of the best community college nursing investments in Illinois.
Allied health programs also pay off well at $45,026 in median earnings, giving you solid career prospects in the growing healthcare sector. These programs justify the $6,480 annual cost and position you for immediate employment in the Chicago metro area's extensive medical network.
Liberal arts and general studies programs present weaker returns, with graduates earning just $22,999 while carrying $8,150 in debt. Vehicle maintenance programs show similar earnings at $26,933, which may not justify the training costs given local wage competition.
The 38% graduation rate signals completion challenges that could derail your investment entirely. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited support for students facing financial difficulties during their studies.
You should consider Kishwaukee if you can commit to nursing or allied health programs and have strong study habits to overcome the completion rate concerns. The school works best for local residents who can avoid housing costs and want direct entry into healthcare careers.
Look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support, want broad liberal arts education, or cannot handle the risk of non-completion. The low graduation rate makes this a risky choice for students who struggle academically or lack clear career direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kishwaukee College worth the cost for career earnings?
Kishwaukee College graduates earn $39,657 ten years after graduation, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools but reasonable given the $6,480 annual net cost. The nursing programs offer much better returns at $63,005, while general studies graduates earn only $22,999.
What are the best paying programs at Kishwaukee College?
Nursing programs at Kishwaukee College provide the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning $63,005 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at $45,026, while liberal arts and automotive programs result in much lower earnings around $23,000-$27,000.
How much debt do Kishwaukee College students typically graduate with?
Kishwaukee College graduates carry a median debt of $9,395, which is manageable compared to four-year institutions. However, with the low 38% graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
Does Kishwaukee College have a good graduation rate?
Kishwaukee College has a 38% graduation rate, meaning fewer than 4 out of 10 students complete their programs. This creates significant risk of accumulating debt and time without earning a credential.