At $6,763/yr net price, Morton College graduates earn $42,406/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,406/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,763 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,052 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,406/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,406/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,934/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,210/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,898/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,123/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 | $57,995 | $7,500 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $51,551 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $32,284 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $17,067 |
The Risk Factor
28.3% of students at Morton 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
Morton College delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $42,406 barely justifying even its low $6,763 annual cost. The 28% graduation rate means seven out of ten students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at Morton, generating nearly $58,000 in median earnings with manageable $7,500 debt loads. Allied health programs also perform well at $51,551. These healthcare pathways justify the investment and align with strong regional demand in the Chicago area.
Avoid Morton's liberal arts, criminal justice, and science programs. Liberal arts graduates earn just $32,284, while biological and physical sciences majors face particularly brutal returns at $17,067 annually. Criminal justice pays only $30,409, making the debt burden questionable even at this low-cost school.
Morton works financially if you can complete nursing or allied health programs and stay focused on career-oriented training. The school's location in Cicero provides access to Chicago-area healthcare employers, giving nursing graduates solid job prospects. However, the low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their programs.
With only 35% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best cost strategy involves completing your program quickly and transferring to a four-year school if needed, rather than extending your time at Morton. Skip this school entirely if you cannot commit to healthcare programs or lack the academic preparation to succeed where most students fail to graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morton College worth the money?
Morton College offers decent value for nursing students, with graduates earning nearly $58,000 annually at a low $6,763 yearly cost. However, the 28% graduation rate is concerning, and most other programs lead to earnings below $35,000.
What are the best paying majors at Morton College?
Nursing programs at Morton College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $57,995 annually. Allied health programs also perform well at $51,551, while liberal arts and criminal justice graduates earn around $30,000-32,000.
How much debt do Morton College students graduate with?
Morton College graduates carry a median debt of $8,000, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. The affordable tuition and community college model help keep borrowing minimal.
Does Morton College have a good graduation rate?
Morton College's 28% graduation rate is below average for community colleges. This means most students either transfer before completing their degree or drop out entirely.