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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a healthcare payoff, but the median result is thin. At $8,271 a year in net price and $8,548 in median debt, you graduate owing about what one year costs. The problem is the median earnings ten years out land at $38,320 and the graduation rate sits at 32.5%, so the average outcome here depends heavily on what you study and whether you finish.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner. It pays over $54,000 a decade out, and Champaign-Urbana's hospital network and the University of Illinois medical presence give you a real regional market for those credentials. Dental support and allied health diagnostic programs also clear $45,000, though dental support carries the highest debt on the list at $12,600. Auto maintenance and repair pays the least of the top five near $39,000, but with only $7,000 in debt, the math still works. These are all associate degrees or certificates, so treat them as workforce entry points, not four-year outcomes.
The main risk is the completion rate. Two out of three of you won't finish, and if you leave with debt and no credential, you get the cost without the earnings bump. The health programs justify their price. a general transfer path that stalls does not.
The net price tiers are odd here. If your family earns $48-75k, you pay about $9,990, more than families under $30k who pay $8,175, and families in the $30-48k band pay the least at $6,281. If you sit in that middle-income window, run your own aid numbers before enrolling. Parkland fits you if you want a nursing or allied health credential and plan to finish. If you're unsure of your path, the completion odds make that gamble expensive.
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.