At $8,093/yr net price, McHenry County College graduates earn $45,143/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,143/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,093 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,372 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,143/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,143/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,260 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,891/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,233/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,524/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,676/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,368/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 | $63,600 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $48,849 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $24,936 | $6,875 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,921 | $5,881 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $19,227 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $15,552 |
The Risk Factor
39.3% of students at McHenry County 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
McHenry County College delivers strong financial returns for career-focused programs but poor outcomes for transfer students. At $8,093 annually, the net price is reasonable for a community college, though the 39% graduation rate signals completion challenges that directly impact your return on investment.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial case here. Nursing graduates earn $63,600 annually, creating excellent ROI given the low debt burden. Business Administration and Allied Health programs also generate solid returns at nearly $48,000 in median earnings. These three programs justify the investment and position you well in the Chicago metropolitan job market.
Avoid Liberal Arts and Biological Sciences programs unless you plan to transfer and complete a four-year degree elsewhere. Liberal Arts graduates earn just $20,921 annually while carrying $5,881 in debt. Biological Sciences performs even worse relative to debt load, making these paths financially unviable as terminal degrees.
The school works best for local students targeting specific career credentials. Nursing, business, and healthcare support roles align with regional demand in the northwest Chicago suburbs. If you need extensive student support services or prefer a traditional college experience, look elsewhere. Only 11.52% of students receive aid, suggesting limited financial assistance beyond the base low price.
Your biggest financial risk is dropping out. The low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without earning credentials. Success here requires clear career focus and strong self-direction. Choose McHenry County College if you want affordable career training in high-demand fields and can handle a less structured environment independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McHenry County College worth the cost?
McHenry County College offers solid value with low debt ($6,260 median) and reasonable net costs ($8,093 annually), but only if you pick the right program. Nursing graduates earn $63,600 while liberal arts majors average just $20,921, making program choice critical for ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at McHenry County College?
Nursing programs at McHenry County College provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning $63,600 annually. Business administration ($48,849) and allied health ($47,260) also pay well, while general studies and liberal arts lead to much lower earnings around $21,000.
How much debt do McHenry County College students typically graduate with?
McHenry County College students graduate with relatively low debt at $6,260 median. The low annual net price of $8,093 helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year schools.
What is the graduation rate at McHenry County College?
McHenry County College has a 39% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges but means most students either transfer or drop out. Success depends heavily on having clear career goals and choosing programs with strong job placement.