At $6,188/yr net price, Oakton College graduates earn $47,852/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $13,852/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,188 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $24,752 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $47,852/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$13,852/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,081/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,804/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,259/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,394/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,325/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 | $60,771 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $52,107 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,797 |
The Risk Factor
31.4% of students at Oakton 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
Oakton College delivers strong financial returns for healthcare-focused students but poor outcomes for liberal arts majors. Your career choice matters more than at most schools.
The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $60,771 annually, making it one of the better community college nursing programs in Illinois. Allied health graduates also see solid returns at $52,107. These programs justify the investment and connect well to Chicago-area hospital systems that actively recruit from Oakton.
Liberal arts graduates face harsh financial reality with median earnings of just $19,797. This program shows negative ROI when you factor in opportunity costs and lost wages during school. Transfer students using liberal arts as a stepping stone to four-year degrees may find value, but those stopping at the associate level should reconsider.
The low graduation rate of 31% creates financial risk. You could spend money and time without completing your credential. Healthcare programs typically have higher completion rates than the school average, while general studies students struggle more with finishing.
Financial aid reaches only 16% of students, limiting assistance options. However, the low sticker price of $6,188 annually and minimal debt load of $5,250 keep costs manageable even without substantial aid.
Oakton works best for career changers entering healthcare, recent high school graduates with clear nursing goals, or students planning to transfer after completing prerequisites. Avoid this school if you want liberal arts education as a terminal degree or need extensive financial aid to attend college.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakton College worth the money?
Oakton College offers strong value for nursing and health programs, with graduates earning $50,000-60,000 annually and only $5,250 in median debt. However, the 31% graduation rate is concerning, and liberal arts graduates earn just $19,797 ten years after enrollment.
What are the highest paying programs at Oakton College?
Registered nursing leads at $60,771 in median earnings, followed by allied health services at $52,107. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn significantly less at $19,797, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Oakton College students typically have?
Oakton College students graduate with a median debt of $5,250, which is relatively low for higher education. The low net price of $6,188 per year helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Oakton College and does it affect value?
Only 31% of Oakton College students graduate, which significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition. Students who do complete programs in nursing and health fields see good returns, but the completion risk is substantial.