At $8,271/yr net price, Parkland College graduates earn $38,320/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,320/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,271 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $33,084 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,320/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,320/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,548 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,175/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,281/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,990/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,904/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,496/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 | $54,463 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $46,321 | $12,600 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,082 | $9,407 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $39,009 | $7,000 |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $33,565 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $30,409 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $24,421 | $7,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,824 | $8,250 |
The Risk Factor
32.5% of students at Parkland 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
Parkland College delivers solid returns for healthcare and skilled trade programs, but your success depends entirely on choosing the right major. The nursing program produces graduates earning $54,463 annually with minimal debt, making it the clear financial winner at this Illinois community college.
Healthcare-focused students get the best deal here. Dental support services graduates earn $46,321 while carrying just $12,600 in debt, and allied health diagnostic programs deliver $45,082 in median earnings. Medical assisting rounds out the strong healthcare cluster at $43,798 annually. These programs justify your investment and connect well with central Illinois healthcare demand.
Vehicle maintenance graduates earn $39,009 with only $7,000 in debt, offering another practical path. However, avoid programs outside these core areas. The overall graduate median of $38,320 suggests many other majors fail to generate meaningful income gains over high school.
Your biggest risk is the 32.5% graduation rate. Two-thirds of students never finish, wasting time and money. This makes program selection critical since you face real chances of non-completion regardless of your major.
Parkland works financially if you target healthcare or skilled trades and can complete your program. The $8,271 annual cost keeps debt manageable, and only 25% of students need financial aid, suggesting reasonable affordability for most Illinois residents. You should look elsewhere if you want liberal arts, business, or other general programs that show weak earnings outcomes here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parkland College worth the money?
Parkland College offers good value at $8,271 per year with low debt of $8,548, but the 32.5% graduation rate is concerning. Your return depends heavily on completing a program, especially nursing which pays $54,463 annually.
What are the highest paying programs at Parkland College?
Nursing programs at Parkland College lead earnings at $54,463, followed by dental support services at $46,321. These healthcare programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $38,320.
How much debt do Parkland College graduates have?
Parkland College graduates carry a median debt of $8,548, which is relatively low for higher education. The affordable tuition and community college structure help keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year schools.
What is the graduation rate at Parkland College?
Only 32.5% of students graduate from Parkland College, which is a major risk factor for ROI. Students who don't complete their programs miss out on the career benefits while still carrying debt and lost time.