At $5,280/yr net price, Prairie State College graduates earn $36,696/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,696/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,280 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,120 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,696/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,696/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,725/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,084/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,916/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,509/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,713/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 | $56,867 | $14,500 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $53,697 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,353 | $13,949 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Associate | $23,649 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $17,950 | $12,100 |
The Risk Factor
19.1% of students at Prairie State 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
Prairie State College delivers strong returns for specific career paths but represents a significant gamble for most students. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $56,867 annually against modest debt loads of $14,500. Dental support services also provide solid returns at $53,697 per year.
The financial picture turns concerning for other programs. Liberal arts graduates earn just $26,353 annually while carrying nearly $14,000 in debt. Business administration produces particularly poor outcomes at $17,950 in median earnings, making the $12,100 debt load difficult to justify. Health preparatory programs show similarly weak returns at $23,649.
The 19% graduation rate creates substantial risk regardless of your program choice. You face a four-in-five chance of leaving without credentials, potentially carrying debt with no degree to show for it. This low completion rate suggests significant academic or financial barriers that derail most students.
Prairie State makes financial sense if you can secure admission to nursing or dental programs and have the academic preparation to complete them successfully. The $5,280 annual net price keeps costs manageable for students who finish their programs.
You should look elsewhere if you plan to study liberal arts, business, or health preparatory programs. The earning potential simply does not justify even the relatively low costs. Consider four-year universities for liberal arts or stronger community colleges with better completion rates for business programs. Only pursue Prairie State if you have clear admission to high-earning health programs and confidence in your ability to graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Prairie State College worth the cost?
Prairie State College offers a low net price at $5,280 per year, but graduates earn only $36,696 annually after 10 years. The nursing programs provide strong returns with $56,867 median earnings, while most other programs lead to below-average wages.
What is the ROI for Prairie State College nursing programs?
Prairie State College nursing graduates earn a median of $56,867 annually, making it one of the few programs that justify the investment. Dental support services also perform well at $53,697, but other programs lag significantly behind.
How much debt do Prairie State College students graduate with?
Prairie State College graduates carry a median debt of $11,000, which is relatively manageable. However, with most graduates earning under $37,000 annually, even this modest debt load creates financial strain for many students.
What are the graduation rates at Prairie State College?
Prairie State College has a 19% graduation rate, meaning most students who enroll never complete their programs. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's overall value proposition despite its affordable tuition.