At $1,771/yr net price, Moraine Valley Community College graduates earn $43,892/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,892/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $1,771 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $7,084 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,892/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,892/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,623/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,921/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,921/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 | $60,325 | $17,196 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $48,849 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,455 | $9,550 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Certificate | $41,565 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,281 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $31,133 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $29,141 | |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $24,421 |
The Risk Factor
33.2% of students at Moraine Valley 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
Moraine Valley Community College delivers strong financial returns for students who complete their programs, with extremely low costs offsetting modest graduate earnings. At just $1,771 per year, you'll pay less than most students spend on textbooks at four-year schools.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, producing graduates who earn $60,325 annually despite carrying higher debt loads of $17,196. Allied health programs also perform well, generating nearly $48,000 in annual earnings with manageable debt. These healthcare tracks benefit from strong demand in the Chicago suburbs, where aging populations drive consistent job growth.
Computer programs show mixed results. The higher-earning IT track produces $41,565 annually, but another computer program generates just $33,993, barely above the school's overall median. You'll want to research specific program outcomes before enrolling in tech fields.
The biggest financial risk at Moraine Valley is the 33% graduation rate. Two-thirds of students never complete their programs, making careful program selection and academic planning essential. You'll also face limited financial aid options, with only 29% of students receiving assistance.
This school works best for students seeking healthcare credentials, career changers who need affordable retraining, or those planning to transfer to four-year schools. The low cost makes it a reasonable option even if earnings potential seems modest. However, students targeting high-paying careers outside healthcare should consider whether better options exist, especially given the completion rate challenges.
Merit scholarships are limited, so expect to pay close to the full net price. The key strategy here is choosing programs with clear job placement records and staying focused on graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moraine Valley Community College worth the money?
At $1,771 per year, Moraine Valley offers good value for students who complete programs, especially in nursing where graduates earn $60,325. However, the 33% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
What programs at Moraine Valley Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $60,000 annually. Health administration and allied health programs also pay well at $48,000-$47,000, while IT programs show more mixed results.
How much debt do Moraine Valley Community College graduates have?
Graduates who borrow money leave with a median debt of $9,500. This is relatively low debt, but earnings of $43,892 after 10 years mean loan payments could still be challenging for some graduates.
Does Moraine Valley Community College help students get good jobs?
Job outcomes depend heavily on your program choice. Nursing and health programs lead to solid middle-class wages, but other programs may not provide enough earning power to justify even the low tuition cost.