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 gives you a low-cost, low-debt start with a strong nursing payoff and weak returns on the transfer-focused tracks. You pay about $8,093 a year and leave with a median debt of $6,260, which is small enough that even a modest salary can clear it. The financial risk here is not debt. It is finishing and picking the right program.
Nursing is the clear winner. The associate nursing track pays around $63,600, well above the college-wide median of $45,143 and roughly triple what the general Liberal Arts and Sciences associate returns. Business administration and allied health/medical assisting also land in solid territory in the high $40,000s, and they connect directly to jobs in the Crystal Lake and greater Chicago-area healthcare and business market.
The transfer tracks are where the math turns against you. Liberal Arts and Sciences and Biological and Physical Sciences both come in near $21,000-$25,000 while still carrying debt around $6,000. Those numbers only make sense if you treat the associate as a step toward a four-year degree elsewhere. If you stop there, you have paid for a credential that barely moves your earnings.
The bigger threat is the 39.3% graduation rate. Six in ten students do not finish on time, and an unfinished nursing degree does not pay nursing wages. Your return depends heavily on completing a career-focused program, not just enrolling.
Net price stays affordable across incomes, but it climbs as your family earns more, from about $6,891 under $30k to $12,368 above $110k. This is a good financial fit if you want an affordable path into nursing, business, or healthcare, or a cheap transfer launch you intend to finish. Look elsewhere if you plan to stop at a general studies associate and expect it to pay off on its own.
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.