Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $35,775
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $5,809
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 41.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $62/mo
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 | $53,108 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $20,140 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $20,140 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $16,663 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $13,702 |
Outcomes Overview
Rend Lake graduates earn a median of $35,775 ten years after leaving, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio with typical debt of $5,809. Monthly loan payments of $62 represent just 2.1% of median earnings, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 95.9% employment rate reflects strong job placement in southern Illinois's manufacturing, healthcare, and agricultural sectors. Many graduates enter skilled trades or continue to four-year programs, building on the college's career-focused training. With low debt burdens and solid earning potential for a rural community college, this represents a strong return on investment for students seeking practical skills and immediate workforce entry.