At $7,309/yr net price, Rend Lake College graduates earn $35,775/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,775/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,309 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $29,236 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,775/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,775/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 16.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $5,809 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,369/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,411/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,607/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,191/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
60.4% of students at Rend Lake College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Rend Lake College delivers solid financial value for a rural Illinois community college, with low costs and manageable debt offsetting modest overall earnings outcomes. Your total investment stays reasonable at around $14,600 for a two-year program, and you'll graduate with median debt under $6,000.
The nursing program stands out as your strongest financial bet, generating median earnings of $53,100 that easily justify the investment. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at nearly $42,000 annually. These healthcare tracks align with regional demand and provide clear career pathways.
Your financial risk centers on program choice. Culinary arts and health administration both cap out around $20,000 in median earnings, making the math tighter even with low debt levels. Vehicle maintenance earnings of just $16,600 fall below what many high school graduates earn locally.
You're a good fit for Rend Lake if you're targeting healthcare careers, need affordable college access, or plan to transfer after completing general education requirements. The school works particularly well for working adults who can't relocate for education. Skip this option if you're aiming for fields requiring four-year degrees or higher starting salaries.
Only 31% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many qualify for minimal assistance. Focus on completing your program efficiently since the 60% graduation rate indicates some students struggle to finish. Consider your program's job placement rates carefully, as regional opportunities vary significantly by field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rend Lake College worth the money?
Rend Lake College offers decent value with a low net price of $7,309 per year and manageable debt of $5,809. However, the median earnings of $35,775 ten years after graduation are below average, making ROI heavily dependent on your program choice.
What are the best paying programs at Rend Lake College?
Nursing programs at Rend Lake College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $53,108 annually. Allied health programs also pay well at $41,937, while culinary arts and automotive programs lead to lower earnings around $16,000-$20,000.
How much debt will I have after Rend Lake College?
Rend Lake College graduates typically leave with just $5,809 in debt, which is significantly lower than most colleges. This low debt load helps offset the modest earnings potential for many programs.
Does Rend Lake College have good job placement rates?
Rend Lake College has a 60% graduation rate, which is reasonable for a community college. The school's value depends heavily on choosing high-demand programs like nursing rather than lower-paying fields like automotive repair.