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 gives you a low-cost entry point with an uneven payoff. Your net price sits near $5,280 a year, and median debt at graduation is modest at $11,000. But the median 10-year earnings of $36,696 tell you this credential alone does not move you far up the income ladder, and the 19% graduation rate is the biggest warning sign here: most students who start do not finish, and an unfinished degree buys you the debt without the earnings.
Your major choice matters more than at most schools because the spread is enormous. Registered Nursing graduates clear roughly $57,000, and Dental Support Services lands close behind at about $54,000. Those two associate programs are the real financial reason to enroll. Everything else drops off a cliff. Business Administration graduates earn under $18,000, less than a third of what nursing pays, while still carrying about $12,100 in debt. Liberal Arts and Health/Medical Preparatory programs land in the mid-$20,000s. If you enroll in one of those and stop there, the math does not work.
The specific risk here is finishing and picking the wrong track. The Business Administration numbers show you can leave with debt and wages that barely beat a high school job.
This school is a strong fit for you if you are aiming at nursing or dental support and plan to complete the credential. Under $48,000 in family income, your net price drops toward $3,700 to $4,100, which makes the low-earning programs survivable as a transfer step. Above $110,000, you pay closer to $13,700, and at that price only the nursing and dental tracks justify the cost. If you want business or general studies as a terminal degree, look elsewhere or plan to transfer.
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.